I just found this prayer while looking for quotes and wanted to share it and some thoughts it provoked.
Army wives prayer
Dear Lord,
Give me the greatness of heart to see the difference between duty and his love for me. Give me understanding that I may know, when duty calls him he must go. Give me a task to do each day, to fill the time when he's away. And Lord, when he's in a foreign land, keep him safe in your loving hand. And Lord, when duty is in the field, please protect him and be his shield. And Lord, when deployment is so long, please stay with me and keep me strong. Amen.
Give me the greatness of heart to see the difference between duty and his love for me. Give me understanding that I may know, when duty calls him he must go. Give me a task to do each day, to fill the time when he's away. And Lord, when he's in a foreign land, keep him safe in your loving hand. And Lord, when duty is in the field, please protect him and be his shield. And Lord, when deployment is so long, please stay with me and keep me strong. Amen.
Often times when we are married to someone with an important job that requires them to put their duty first, it is hard not take it personally. It is important to remember their commitment to their duty doesn't mean they love you less, it is a reflection of the love they have for you. Supporting them to perform their duty is a reflection of the love you have for them.
When left alone during long deployments or sudden changes, it is important to keep yourself busy and utilize all of the support systems available. Do the things that make you happy and bring you joy. Do the things you would do together but only if they bring you comfort. Being able to take care of yourself is a gift you can give your deployed HERO.
Always rely on the power of faith that they will return safely. Never give up your faith and your hope. Staying positive will help you move from day to day. Surround yourself with people who are positive so you can pull each other up when you get down. Turn to your support system in times of need, tell them when you need help. People will help you but you have to be willing to ask.
Always remember to take care of yourself and to take pride in the duty you are performing by being a supportive and committed military spouse. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND WE THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
XOXO
~T&K~
Well for what its worth, I'll tell you my sad story. I took good care of myself and my daughter during two deployments and lots of trainings. But, he still wanted a divorce after putting my dreams of a career, family, and friends on hold to follow a Army soldier around in his career. I still dream sometimes that he'll walk around the corner and tell me he's sorry for wanting to leave me and my daughter with nothing but, the clothes on our back. Thank you for this prayer b/c at least I know there's women out there that know the dedication it takes to be a Army wife!
ReplyDeleteWe're sorry, to hear that. Please know we support you and thank for your dedication and service. So much more attention need to be paid to supporting military families and helping them stay together even when deployments force them apart. It's a small comfort but you can take pride in knowing that you did your job. Sometimes we can't control other things. Hold on to that baby tight and know that we appreciate what you are did and are doing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeletexoxo
~T&K~
I thought you Also might like this poem "The Silent Ranks", it can be found here: http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/2445/27.html
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! I am 6 months into a 18 month long deployment with my Soldier! Thank God for family since his unit doesn't do anything!! There are moments where, when our 18 month old son dosn't remember daddy that really make it hard!
ReplyDelete