Matt (my very able assistant) and I are in one of the more beautiful parts of the Province today.  Spent yesterday walking through the mountains in search of historic point-of-origin sites for enemy indirect fires.  Though we did not find much, the views were well worth the walk.  

It is a shame (if that is a strong enough sentiment) that hundreds of years of warring have kept this part of the world so impoverished.

Well - to let you all know - our Warriors are still dealing with the death of our brother.  We held a memorial service a few days ago - and several of those closest to PFC D- spoke to his spirit, his generosity.  Truly, this Soldier epitomized what it is to be a Warrior - one who really was motivated by a heart of service.  Our Public Affairs folks are in the process of packaging a video copy of the memorial, letters from soldiers and commanders, coins and patches left on the Memorial Stand after the ceremony - and those items will be shipped to his parents and one-year old girl.  Our prayer now - is for resilience, increased vigilance, and God's restorative grace in the lives of D's family - both here and back home.

Just a random thought - the longer we are here (and we are nearing a month now), the easier it is to become complacent.  I mean that militarily - but especially spiritually.  Seems like the more familiar and comfortable I become with my surroundings, the greater the temptation to fall back on natural gifts (albeit in short supply), routine, etc.  When the environment is new, somewhat frightening, difficult - it is with much greater ease that I pursue relationship with, and strength from God.  Even now, though the threat has certainly not decreased (if anything, the closer to the summer we come - the greater the danger) - still, familiarity is working to breed complacency.  I can tell a real difference in my life and in the authority with which I live and proclaim Christ - when I have gotten to a place where I am 'too busy' to draw near to Him.  

The last couple of days have been like that.  I have, however - the great blessing from God of a wife who calls me routinely back to center - even when she does not do it with intentionality.  And, I have a God who is more deeply interested in relationship with me - and the quality of that relationship - even than I.  Usually, I am called back to pursuit of Christ - renewed intensity in prayer and His Word, when my own resources once again prove too shallow.

How mysterious, I sometimes think it is, that God has ordained to make Himself discernible, only to those who - with diligence - seek Him!  I would then, that God would keep me in places of dependency.  I am glad for desert places, where my thirst for You - O, Lord - may be quickened.  Draw me to mountain paths, where I must look to my Righteous Guide for every step.  Above all Lord, do not let me rest long in ease - where I may give up both drinking long and depending much on You - lest I become passionless and purposeless - and content in that despairing condition.