Military dreams and the Smith Family

Military dreams and a middle child. I’ve got a kid that I need a little bit of prayer for. He’s not in any kind of trouble. Gaelan is my hard worker who has a dream to serve his country. He’d love to be able to enlist in the National Guard and become a soldier. However, there’s a challenge in achieving this particular dream.

Military Dream

Gaelan didn’t have it easy in his early years, struggling with asthma as a child, however, he’s been off the medication for some time now. He works out like a DOG in the gym, lifting weights and doing cardio. Gaelan is in great shape. However, the doctors look at his medical file and what he used to be sick with and they’d just as soon throw him out in the street. I don’t understand.

I know Gaelan called the recruiting sergeant the other day and asked how it was going. The sergeant, who’s been on Gaelan’s side from day one, was really honest, which I would expect from a sergeant. He said, “Gaelan, it’s really going to take something just shy of a miracle to pull it off at this point.” Gaelan is a young man of strong faith in God and in miracles that only God can pull off. He’s all in on the pursuit of a military career.

Yes, Gaelan does have a backup plan, which includes a trip to the police academy. I think his heart is in the military, especially because his grandfather, Greg Bourgond, had an outstanding career in the military (Navy). I would love nothing more than to see this hard-working young man get where he wants to be. Will you say a prayer that God will make a way where there doesn’t appear to be one?

(By the way, our God specializes in making a way where there is no way. If he can convert Saul into the Apostle Paul, ANYTHING is possible).

Other family happenings

Really excited because I took next week off from work. I looked back through my freelance journalist records and realized I haven’t taken time off in at least three years. It may be longer than that. The reasoning behind my request is Derrick and Talisa are coming in from South Dakota to spend a week here.

How dumb was I the last few years when those two came to town and I didn’t take time off work? What has more worth? Extra money in the bank or time with family? It’s called priorities, Chad, and maybe it’s time to change some of yours?

One new thing I’m trying out is itching that scratch I’ve had in recent years. That itch is to go exploring and see new places. It finally occurred to me that I don’t have to jump on a plane to see new things. I’ve toured a couple parks in Minneapolis and had a great time photographing things I haven’t seen before and making memories that way.

Vulnerability

Working from home is harder than I thought it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying what I do. The work is rewarding and you’d have to make an offer I couldn’t refuse to make me give up the flexibility in my schedule.

However, you just don’t get out much to meet people when you live your life on the phone. Any advice at all on how to get out of the house and make a friend or two? I really think that sounds dumb coming out of my mouth but it’s an honest question. Can you forget how to make and/or be a friend to another human being?

Especially guys. Why is it so hard for guys to make friends and not try to be “John Wayne?” Where does that urge come from?

A Wrap

military
Here’s a scene from “Always Watching: A Marble Hornets Story.” It’s one of my favorite movies and yes, it’s about Slenderman. (Photo from imdb.com)

Just wrapped up watching two of the better found-footage movies available. I love both “Always Watching: A Marble Hornets Story,” and “Alien Abduction,” two of the better selections in the whole genre. You may not know this about me but I really do love found footage movies. My only problem with the genre is there are so many awful ones out there. Any others that are worth watching that don’t celebrate demons or specialize in straight up gore fests?