A Flying Leap I served four years in the Navy from 1976-1980. I arrived on my first ship shortly after Boot Camp. My First ship was the USS Charleston LKA 113 an Amphibious Cargo and Assault Ship. I was nineteen years old I thought I was pretty hip, slick and cool and ready to begin my stint in the Navy. When I reported aboard I was assigned to be a cook; one of the other cooks gave me a tour of the ship. I was quite impressed and beginning to feel pretty important but was really quite nervous. I was wearing my dress blues which really let everyone know I was a rookie, a mere boot, (a boot is a rookie fresh from boot camp). After the tour my mentor said let’s eat. We went through the galley (kitchen) and through to the mess hall (dining room where the crew eats). As we were going into this new room my shin hit a small bulkhead (wall) which was about twelve inches high because I was looking straight ahead, my tray flew forward about ten feet and I went flying after it. The crew cheered my entrance with a cat call of; “Boot, Boot.” I was never so embarrassed in my life; after I cleaned up the mess and went back to the mess hall I said I really wasn’t very hungry after all. That was my welcome and shining moment aboard the USS Charleston, a moment that lived in infamy. Now that I had introduced myself to everyone I couldn’t hide the next 6 months I was aboard that ship and no one was going to let me live that one down. What the heck was that thing doing there anyway? My Chief said something about air tight doors. Hmmm. That was a time I literally fell, I have fallen several times figuratively. I have made many mistakes in my life, and have fallen through sin. With God when I fall, he gently and sympathetically lifts me up, wipes me off, says that he loves me. He believes me when I say I want to change. He says, “C’mon let me help you”. He hands me my tray and gets down and helps me clean up my mess. He comes with me, helps me fill my tray and says. It is okay. Let’s try this again but don’t forget the air tight fittings, don’t forget the holes in the road, the distractions and temptations; I am with you and will guide you. Keep your eyes on me”. We may all trip, stumble and fall along the path to heaven, don’t give up, don’t hide, ask God for help. Keep your eyes open. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV), “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” God Bless Ken Jones THS
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 15:55:12 +0000
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