A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE-THE CHAPLAIN SERIES

http://steven.newton1.home.att.net/ ^ | 2004 | Steven J. Newton

[Steve Newton]

The Chaplain had just finished visiting the hospital and talking with the wounded. It was something he did on a regular bases when his duties did not required him at the company. For the most part he enjoyed his visits but today had been a little different. There were several seriously injured young soldiers that had asked for the last rites. The chaplain was not Catholic himself but he was familiar with many different religions.

[Steve Newton]

A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE THE CHAPLAIN SERIES By Steve Newton (3)

The Chaplain had just finished visiting the hospital and talking with the wounded. It was something he did on a regular bases when his duties did not required him at the company. For the most part he enjoyed his visits but today had been a little different. There were several seriously injured young soldiers that had asked for the last rites. The chaplain was not Catholic himself but he was familiar with many different religions.

Feeling a little down the chaplain stopped off at the mess hall in the Green Zone for a cup of coffee before he headed back. The mess hall was as crowded as he had ever seen it. He could hardly move through to get his coffee and the noise level was horrendous. A television in one corner added to the noise of the conversations.

Finally getting some coffee and spotting a table that had just opened up the chaplain wandered over and sat down. As he was forlornly drinking his coffee a very young soldier walked up to the table with a tray full of food. “Excuse me chaplain. I can’t find a table. Do you mind if I sit down?” “Of course not soldier, the chaplain said. Make yourself at home.” “Thank you sir.”

As the young soldier looked at his food and then at the chaplain, he said, “Chaplain do you mind if I pray?” The chaplain just nodded and smiled. The young soldier began: Our Father we come to you today on bended knee. Asking for Your grace and protection. Father we are here doing your work and I ask that you help us.

The chaplain had noticed that during the prayer the room had become very quiet. Covers were being removed and the television was turned down. You could hear a pin drop.

The soldier continued: And Lord please bless all the soldiers and fighting men that are here. Give them strength and wisdom. Bless our sergeant and officers so they may guide us in thy path. And Lord bless our families at home. Watch over them. Thank you for this hot food and thank you for your Son who died for us. Your will be done. Amen.

As the young soldier finished his prayer, the chaplain raised his head up. He felt a tear slide down his check and as he glanced around the room he noticed he was not alone. There was a whole chorus of “Amen’s.”

As the conversations slowly started again the chaplain looked over at the soldier. “Well soldier, I must be going.” “God bless you chaplain,” the young soldier said. The chaplain stopped and turned around. “No, my son. God bless you.”

Steve Newton

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The “Chaplain” Series is copyright protected but may be used if the contents are not changed and the Web Site remains listed. The Chaplain is fictional and is used to illustrate a point or make a statement. ANY resemblance to a person living or dead is coincidental and unintentional.