As I descended the bus, there was no angry drill-sergeant yelling in my face. Instead, a well-dressed officer in high heels greeted me kindly and thanked me for enlisting. Then she began a tour of the facility.
My barracks were quite comfortable, with a lovely view of the park. My "footlocker" had been exchanged for a gorgeous, Victorian-style vanity. And my tour-guide assured me that I would be able to wear anything I desired.
Next, I was taken to the Mess Hall, only they called it some fancy Italian name that I can't remember. It was Buffet Heaven! Anything you could desire or imagine was available-- for free!
Six weeks passed. Six weeks of pampering and rest. The pretty officer informed me that now that we were such good friends, I could graduate and move on. Shucks! If Boot Camp was this good, what must real service be like?
Happily, I packed my luggage and joined my regiment at Fort Bliss. (What a delightful sounding place!) But stepping from the bus into the blazing Texas sun, I received the shock of my life! Here were soldiers dressed in camouflage; standing to attention when an officer walked by, cadence marching, and horrors! doing push-ups!
I tried to scramble back onto the bus. This wasn't what I was expecting! Rough hands pulled me back, as the bus sped away. My head spun from the incredible heat, and sun spots darkened my vision. Sinking to the ground in desperation, I prayed silently, "Someone get me out of here!!!"
Then I awoke, and behold, it was a dream!
I'll leave the interpretation to the individual, but I have a question for you. Parents, do you really think you're doing your children any favors, by being their "buddy?" Or are you prepared to start training them...for life?
this is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat to read~
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteShall I call you Josephine Bunyan? You should write a "Parent's Progress" which illustrates all the follies of parents raising children.
ReplyDeleteHmm, "Parent's Progress" isn't a bad idea! But please don't even try to compare my paltry work to the immortal classic of Bunyan. Next to the Bible, that has got to be the best book of all times!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this, I thought about something CJ Mahaney said. He said that parents number one responsibility is to prepare your children for judgement day. After pondering his statement, I would have to agree. Obviously, the Holy Spirit has to do a work there, but as parents we are to lead and train our children in truth and in the fear and admonition of the Lord!
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent point, Sarah. And a sobering one. We have a lot of work to do if we are to prepare these little ones for life and judgment.
ReplyDelete