Color me shocked.
I've always thought that my kids and I have open, honest relationships, where we can pretty much talk about anything and everything. I've always prided myself on trying to be non-judgmental when it comes to my kids and their concerns - and so we've talked about drugs, alcohol, sex, relationships - pretty much nothing is taboo.
Last night, we went to Saturday night church services, and I was tickled to take Brad, my oldest son. Brad is normally away at school - he's a junior in college, and his college is hundreds of miles away.
Because this is a relatively new church for us, I took a moment after the services to introduce Brad to the pastor, Jim.
Jim asked some of the obligatory questions, such as, "Where do you go to school?", "What year are you?", and the all-important, "What are you studying?"
Brad answered, "Religion and philosophy." Now, I knew that....so that isn't what surprised me. That comes later. Hold on.
Jim said, "Wow! Awesome! What will you do after you graduate?"
Brad replied, "Go on to seminary." I knew that, too. No surprise there. Wait for it.
Jim then asked, "Where are you going to seminary at?"
Brad said, without missing a beat, "Not sure yet. But I do know that I'm going to go into the Army and become an Army chaplain. That way, the Army can pay for my seminary school. It'll be a 3-year commitment after I graduate from seminary."
WHAT???!!! Did he just say, "...go into the Army" ?????
My mouth dropped open, and you could have knocked me over with a feather. ARMY???!!!
That's the first I've heard of this. Wow.
So much for communication. I guess this is something he's been thinking of, and decided to drop on me at church. In front of the pastor.
Although I'm proud of him - I'm also afraid for him. Normal reaction for a Mom, I guess. It doesn't matter how old our children get - they may be adults - but they're always our "kids."
The Army? Really?
Peace.
3 comments:
Wow! Yeah, I would be shocked too! My DH is an army chaplain ... well kind of. He IS, but he's National Guard rather than active duty currently. His "real" job is as a prison chaplain. He MUCH prefers the Army to the prison, for whatever that's worth.
Have to giggle though ... my kids usually make big announcements in front my parents! It hasn't even occurred to them to make them in front of the pastor. Yet!
LMK if my husband can encourage your son in any way. :)
Gulp.
What a hard thing to hear but pride is definitely an emotion I would be feeling too. Among worry but pride most of all. Just like a child to keep their parents in the dark for too long. LOL!!! Good luck my friend. XOXO
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