Weekly Reflection

Many of us become so busy taking care of business that we forget to step away from the contest we call life, work and living to regroup. It is a necessary rhythm of life to rest. The following thought for the week is from a colleague of mine in ministry. Read and discover a blessing.

• FINDING REST
• PSALM 62:1
• Comments by Steve May

American author Irving Kristol said, "Being frustrated is disagreeable, but the real disasters of life begin when you get what you want." This is because what we want -- or what we think we want -- is so often not what we really need in order to live a fulfilled, meaningful life. There comes a time when we realize that the trinket we worked so hard to acquire, or even the goal we sacrificed so much to reach, doesn't bring the satisfaction we expected it could. We then find ourselves asking, as so many have, "Is that all there is? Is this as good as it gets?"

Goals will always have a place in our lives, and accumulating possessions will always be part of the human experience, but we serve ourselves best the sooner we understand that these things will never be enough. We serve ourselves best when we are learn, as Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless, until they rest in thee."

Where are you seeking your rest today? In a paycheck? In a relationship? In a status symbol? In a measure of success? These things may not be the enemy -- they're not bad in and of themselves -- but it's important that we understand that they're not the finish line, either. If your heart is restless today, take a moment to re-evaluate what you really want. Strive to say, as David said, "My soul finds rest in God alone."

The Battalion Chaplain serves the Staff and the Resident Marines and their families. The duties of the Chaplain include:

• Act as the moral and ethical advisor to the Battalion Commander, staff and resident Marines.
• Perform Site Visits to outlying detachments at Naval Hospital Balboa, VA Palo Alto, 29 Palms and Hawaii.
• Provide opportunities for spiritual development and direction through: individual counseling, counseling in small groups and discussions on a range of topics in a variety of settings.
• Participate in and support the programs of the Family Readiness Officer.
• Provide spiritual support, encouragement and assistance to our wounded, ill and injured Marines.
• Assist Marines in building and sustaining spirit of hope, an enduring attitude of encouragement and a strong sense well-being so that they grow spiritually as individuals.