Notes from Tommie

posted by tommie on Feb 21

So here I am less than a year and a half from when my term should rightfully come to it’s end, the closing to yet another chapter in this story of my life. Friends, family, and coworkers are all telling me to just wait it out and that everything will be fine; however, as each day passes I am considering more and more the ability to get an honarable discharge early.

The way it seems I am stuck in a mediocre position with basically no possibility for advancement due to my inability to stay in because of certain personal issues. It is true that I was raised with the mentality to never quit; however, I was also taught to never settle. Settling is what the Army feels like to me ~ the ability to succeed and actually accomplish something more has seemingly been taken from my options only to settle for just getting by.

With no chance of advancement but a relatively high chance of being extended to a full term (I don’t care about current policy, alot can change in the course o a year) to Afghanistan I am struggling to see any benefit to being stuck in a repetitive life of mediocracy. If you are going to do something aim for the best you can achieve.

In the end there are very few friends and even fewer coworkers that I actually trust enough to discuss these issues but it all leads to the same result: change. It is the only constant in life and sometimes has a greater effect then at other times. In any case I’m praying that everything will turn out the way that He would have me lead this life. It is, afterall, by his grace that I am still here to share my thoughts and beliefs with the world.

At the end of each day the only thing that can be known for sure – I am who I am based on several factors: nature, nurture, and by His will. No matter what may happen, no matter who accepts or rejects me, for better or for worse I will do what I feel is right. Our feelings are what guide us and are His messages to let us know how we are doing. Joy for doing right, sorrow for causing pain or not accepting his will, guilt for going against his will… So many human emotions that guide us each and every day, who am I to deny His messages to me?

With much love and thought, Tommie
(a.k.a. Pup)