Reprinted from August 2023

Q: I just graduated with a degree in communications and I am also working on a master’s degree in that field as well. My problem is I want to join the Navy. I have friends who are in the Navy. One of them, after serving four years, signed up for another four years. There is a good possibility, because of my college education, I would be sent to officer training. My parents don’t want me to enlist. I really want to “Join the Navy and see the world.” What can I tell them to alleviate their concerns? ~ Adventurous

Dear Adventurous,

First of all, thank you for wanting to serve your country. I have a cousin who went to West Point many years ago and he served in Korea. I personally did not serve in the military and I think there are other ways of serving one’s country than by entering the armed forces. Still, I admire those who choose to serve the nation by joining the military. With your education, you might indeed be tapped for officer candidate school, or whatever it’s called these days. And being in the Navy would seem to be a “safer” place to serve than someplace else, although – as I’m sure you’re aware – there are no guarantees in this life, in the military or out. 

But there are many advantages to serving in the military. For one thing, if you serve 20 years, you can retire and do something completely different and still get money from Uncle Sam because of the time you’ve given him! And if you don’t like it, you don’t have to re-enlist when your first commitment is over. Tell those things to your parents and see if they’ll change their minds. But if they don’t, don’t be surprised. You are their beloved child and they don’t want to see anything bad happen to you. But it’s also your life and your choice. 

You are probably too young to remember the TV show, “Father Knows Best.” Maybe he does and maybe he doesn’t. But again, it’s your life and not his. Good luck in trying to navigate the difficult line of respecting your parents and doing what you feel you need to do.

The Rev. C. L. “Skip” Lindeman

Dear Adventurous,

Congratulations on getting your degree in communications and pursuing a master’s! Making decisions about the direction you want to go in your life can be daunting, especially when you are weighing the desires of others along with your own. The first thing to do is to seek within yourself what makes your life feel meaningful. The calling to live a purposeful life requires discovering what you truly desire. Oftentimes it requires experimenting with different careers, locations, etc. that allow you to try on different scenarios.

When making a life-changing decision, understanding the “why” is essential. Knowing the cause of your decision can give you insight into your choices. The cause is the driving force that fuels your passion and gives meaning to your life. For instance, when you first selected communications as your major, did you have a career in mind that you wanted to pursue? Explore what’s prompted your change of heart. You signed your name “Adventurous” and used the Navy quote about seeing the world. Is there something intriguing about the Navy other than travel? Joining the Navy is a commitment to serve the country. It is a rigorous training program that requires physical conditioning, military training and mental toughness and you will be deployed for combat. Is that a commitment you’re willing to make? A career in the Navy can be extremely rewarding on many levels but it is a decision that cannot be taken lightly.

Ultimately, no one can tell you what the right decision is for you because the answer resides within your own heart. As Shakespeare said, “To thine own self be true.” My philosophy is always to turn to your connection with God, knowing Spirit is your power source. Prayer is releasing the power within you to receive the guidance and direction you need to follow in the direction of your dreams. Every single thought is either one of possibility or limitation. Align your thinking to be in harmony with Spirit’s guidance for what is best for you. Listen to your heart and trust that Spirit is guiding you to your best decision.

In Light,

Rev. Mary Morgan
mormari@aol.com