He may not realize it but he will make far more important decisions later in his life but up till now nothing compares to what lies in his immediate future. I do not envy his position but I am glad that he has become man enough to place himself at this crossroad.
I never joined the military. Not for any disdain as some of my generation held for the armed forces. No, I just was never man enough to confront the issue. Since I have become an adult I have often thought of the sacrifices that others have made to keep my family and me free. Both of my brothers were in the military. My brothers in law (all of them I think) were in the military and all are better men for having done so.
Tonight my friend is taking the tests tonight to determine his skill level and what jobs he will qualify for. I know that he is nervous because he feels that a lot is riding on the results. My friend will do fine at the tests because he is a bright young man. I feel confident that his parents and those around him are proud of him and they have good reason to be.
Regardless of the decision that he makes concerning the military, life is going to start coming at him with amazing speed. I and others will tell him steps to take and steps to miss. He will likely not listen but that is mostly OK. He is quickly becoming a man and will have to make many of his own mistakes and enjoy his own successes.
To my friend: I am proud of you for what you are considering. You are more of man than I ever was at your age as is evident in the direction that you are currently taking in your life. You have my full faith and confidence and my pledge to help you in any way I can.
The simplest and shortest ethical precept is to be served by others as little as possible, and to serve others as much as possible. — Leo Tolstoy
No comments:
Post a Comment