Page 20 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt April 7, 2017

20 April 2017 NEWS www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
mARRiAGE
(from Page 2)
Thunderbolt http://www.luke.af.mil
To our benefit, we are both stubborn and determined individuals. We made an effort to learn and participate in each other’s lives outside the home, and it revitalized our now flourishing relationship.
In 2013, my husband was attending a local liberal arts college. He began reading to me every night. Often it was a philosophy selec- tion assigned for class. During dinner we would read news articles we found interesting or discuss evolving topics. This allowed us to highlight and participate in our individual interests together.
In the end, it was clear that we were not together because of our specific commonali- ties, but because we enjoyed experiencing each other. It was a simple revelation made in a critical time.
Like joining the military, marriage is a life- altering commitment. It requires understand- ing that the relationship will continuously change and is in constant need of examination to succeed. Take solace in the Airmen who have pushed through these waves before you and those who are continuing with you.
Chaplain’s thoughts ...
Don’t forget ...
Recently I attended a Bris. A Bris is the circumcision and naming cer- emony for an 8-day-old Jewish baby boy. The religious significance of this rite is profound. It was a beautiful and joyful celebration of covenant, faith, love, family and tradition. Dur- ing the ceremony, one of the rabbis made a unique statement regarding the ceremony. He stated that, during this ceremony, the gateway to heaven was opened just a bit wider; therefore, this would be a wonderful time to pray for those people and situations that matter most.
I found this to be an interesting theological proposition; one that, in all honestly, I found some difficulty with since my tradition holds to the idea that God is equally close at all times. Yet ... this was intriguing. Indeed, what if, during this brief period of time, the mystical veil that shrouds mortals from the immortal really was drawn back just a bit further? What if, dur- ing this ceremony, my prayers would somehow be more readily received?
This thought brought a plethora of questions to my mind. Not the least of which was, “For what should I pray?” With the door opened wider, what re- quest should I present to the maker of the universe? Somehow, I felt it would be inappropriate to pray for wealth or long life. So what do I pray for? Quick! The door may close shortly. Pray!
I am a husband, a father of three and a grandfather of five. My prayer in that sacred moment was that my children and grandchildren would not forget God. In those brief moments, my prayers were for my children, that in the busyness of life they would not forget. My prayer was for my grand- children, that they would be taught the truths that have held us through the years; and that they too, would not forget God.
Faith is predicated upon the aware- ness and remembrance of the tran- scendent. My friends ... don’t forget.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Courtesy of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Larry Fowler 56th Fighter Wing Chapel
just never listened. Nobody mentioned staying away from food that you are passionate about unless you are willing to accept change.
I am naturally opposed to change, and a food enthusiast, so this advice would have been welcomed. The initial transition period, though painful at times, was merely a flash that we now look back on with joyful remi- niscence.
By year three, we were weathering the turbulent storm of my husband’s active-duty separation. It was an easy process that we thought would make life simpler, but it only gave way to greater stress. We had to rediscov- er who we were as a couple when the biggest thing we had in common, being active-duty service members, was no longer a similarity.
Aside from a poor decision to buy and live on a large sailboat years later, his separa- tion from active duty was the biggest hurdle we faced in our marriage. In times of great change, a partnership is redefined. Your best friend can quickly become a silent stranger if you give up trying to connect.
READY TO SERVE OUR VETERANS
Only
$86
per credit
www.GCCAZ.edu 623.845.3333
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.