USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Guest Military Chaplain Service and Sunday Liberty ~ November 2 2003

Guest Military Chaplain and FRiends of the Canteen

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Welcome to
The USO Canteen FReeper Style

Today's Spiritual Journey takes us to the

Navy Chaplain Corps

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Click on graphic to link to the original sermon.

 

MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

A story making the rounds this past week told of a policeman who was heading home after a long, hard day on patrol. He had dealt with a whole succession of difficult people, and a mountain of frustrating paperwork. All he wanted at this point was to kick back, unwind, enjoy some peace and quiet, and maybe watch a few innings of baseball on TV. But, as he neared home, he was startled by a vehicle that came careening around a sharp curve and narrowly missed his squad car. As the car passed within a few inches of him, the other driver shouted "Pig!" The police officer was suddenly energized. He slammed on brakes, all set to turn his squad car around and head off in hot pursuit. But as he rounded the curve, ... he ran head-on into a large pig that was standing in the middle of the road!

It's a lesson we learn early in life if we're lucky: DON'T ASSUME! No matter how confident we are in our understanding of the issue. No matter how certain of another's reasoning or motives. No matter how obvious the point may be to US. Effective communication is far more complicated and difficult than we think. With barriers like cultural differences, personal "filters," different definitions, etc., its amazing that any of us EVER understand one another. But these aren't the most difficult obstacles. The biggest reason we aren't able to hear what another is saying to us is simply... "fear!"

Oh, we may camouflage it behind anger, self-importance or any number of other false fronts, but at the root is fear. Fear of being "found out," or of being disappointed, or of not getting what we want. It's a powerful if crippling motivator. And most of us can summon up plenty of reasons why we shouldn't take another at face value. Honest communication requires trust, and taking a risk. And we've been burned too many times. So we settle for safety, make the natural assumption, and run head-on into our own version of that pig as we journey down life's highway!

There is a better way. A way that recognizes our similarities. That sees others as a source of community and healing. That looks past our own frustration and previous disappointments to explore the possibility that even a "stranger" may have something positive to say. The Apostle Paul described it inI Corinthians, chapter 13. It's the "higher way" of love. I almost hesitate touse that term these days because of the way our culture misuses it. But when you read Paul's description, try substituting "maturity." It's a perfect fit. The risks are higher for this way of living, but so are the rewards.

Another (anonymous) writer cautions:

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self. To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by their certitudes they are a slave, they have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free."

That doesn't mean we should be naive. It does mean we should be careful what we assume. Check it out. Give others the benefit of the doubt. And if someone shouts something unexpected at us, at least entertain the possibility that perhaps it may be more than a personal insult. Who knows, that approach could change our life.

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Wheatgrass"

Many years ago I used to grow and juice wheatgrass.
VERY good stuff!

[Fawnn]

Neat critter wOOhOOs!!! (I'm partial to the Fawnns though, for some reason.) ;)

[Soaring Feather]

>If I need more I'll just ask for a "Black Dress Fashion Show" <

Care to see some of my little black numbers??? LOL How's you heart beat tonight Hondo!!!!!??????

[Kathy in Alaska]

Boy, oh, boy, Star!! You have become quite the shopper. I love your choice of colors. Are you teaching your daughter about shopping?

[StarCMC]

Just to make sure it's here if you need it!! LOL!!

[Fawnn]

It's a good thing I didn't make Balogna, Tuna, and Walleye Sandwiches then! (I figured the Tuna and Walleye would clash anyhow.) :)

[StarCMC]

I HAVE heard that quote actually! She's a pretty funny lady. I love watching her on Jay Leno. She is so open and he gets so uncomfortable. You know he's just dying to ask "Ok, are they REAL???" The way they dance around that one is a stitch!

[Soaring Feather]

>Didja pick 'em up at WalMart?<

WalMart wigs?????? Really Star didn't we just go shopping in all the posh shops in Miami with Hondo the other day???

We bought expensive wigs!! Designer names.

[radu]

Howdy ms. feather!

The cruise-in was a fair turnout. Considering it was set up at the last minute, I guess it was really pretty good. Lots of folks are already putting their cars up for the winter.

We've enjoyed some glorious weather the past several days......clear skies and quite warm. The nights get a little cool but still comfy enough.

Haven't started painting the house yet but we're almost ready. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew! LOL!!!

[StarCMC]

But of course! You should see the dolls she made of herself and uncle KJ. Both in cammos. Too cute -- I'll see if I can find 'em to post.

[Soaring Feather]

>Haven't started painting the house yet but we're almost ready. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew! LOL!!! <

Well for what it cost you to send those Pecans I could fly to TN again and help you! LOL

[Fawnn]

I want to point out that somebody has feet in this picture! ;)



AND you're the only one casting a shadow! Does that make you feel special or what!? ;)

[Hondo1952]

It has been a very sad day for me. My children being here this weekend really helped. They know when I need a hug even though they are at the age they don't want to be around their parents they are still affectionate at home. That means the world to me. Losing so many brothers today on my all time favorite aircraft was a huge blow. I'm not sure I even want to see the casualty list.

I haven't even felt like posting today and didn't until I decided to post "A Testament to Warriors" I felt better after that. NOw I'm back to my normal goofy self. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHERE'S YOUR BLACK DRESS????

[radu]

WOW!!! Fawnn, you're doing all KINDS of neat things with the Canteen Gurlz!! This Riverdance is AWESOME!!

[StarCMC]

That IS true. But with all that shopping I just plain forgot about thos wigs! LOL!

[StarCMC]

Here you go -- this is her doing:

[Hondo1952]

PUT IT ON!! Wait a minute, wait a minute. I'm not sure that a real manly man is supposed to be saying put it on. Aren't we supposed to be saying "Take it off?"

Tickers good. Plenty fried food, lots of grease, three glasses of cider. Good to go.

[Soaring Feather]

Posted by Fawnn to bentfeather On News/Activism ^ 11/03/2003 12:49 AM EST #232 of 233 ^ >I want to point out that somebody has feet in this picture! ;) AND you're the only one casting a shadow! Does that make you feel special or what!? ;)<
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Well gosh I am glad of that fact, (I have a shadow,) some people around here don't have you know!! LOL

[Hondo1952]

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! If you've got it FLAUNT IT.

[radu]

"Beam us up, Tonky."

LOL!!!!!! Cool trick, Tonk!!!