Lesson 29: The Decision
East Kentucky Brigade/ 5th Kentucky Companies D, E, & F Chaplain John P. Back

Greetings Compatriots. As some of you know I have recently put in my allotted number of years to receive full retirement from my organization. Now, while it may seem to be an enviable position to be in my heart has been fraught with doubt. Due to a change in management it almost seems that myself, along with all the other employees of my age and years of service, are being squeezed out. On my way home recently my heart was heavy as I thought of retiring from the job that I have held for 28 years. I began to explore in my mind ways to remain in my position just a little longer. Now the truth is that I had already prayed to God seeking an answer about whether to retire, or to brave the new management, and try for one more year. In a typical fashion for this hurry up generation I was forging ahead using my own flawed logic to determine a solution to my problem. As I studied on these matters, suddenly, bits of scripture began to fill my head. As I reflected on the passages that were revealed to me, I suddenly realized that the answer to my prayer for guidance was being revealed to me. In Luke 12:17-20 Jesus speaks the parable of the Rich man and his barns. In the parable we learn that the man has worked hard and achieved much but his greed has proven to be his undoing as he boasts to himself of his wealth only to have the Lord tell him that his soul was to be required of him that night. This was the answer I needed telling me it was time to retire, not to greedily seek one more year. Perhaps if we were a little more patient when we pray for answers then we wouldn't allow ourselves to get so worked up when the Lord doesn't answer as quickly as we would like. There is an old adage which states "Patience is a virtue". Indeed it is, but one which we seldom seem to avail ourselves. I would ask that you pray for me as I begin a new phase of my life. Pray that the Lord will continue to send me the messages that I need to keep my feet on the path He would have me walk. May God Bless and Keep You!
Deo Vindice -- Chaplain John P. Back

Footnote: After talking to Chaplain Back last night and now reading his words, I realize the grave importance of not waiting on salvation because, "This night my soul may be required of me." There is no doubt in this fielder's mind that our ancestors, when they were preparing to go upon the battlefield, made the necessary atonement of their sins prior to stepping out into the killing fields. In a wondrous little book entitled, The Little Prince a saying was written on my heart that I use whenever this world begins to engulf me. "All that is essential is invisible to the eye." Our wealth, our homes, our cars nor our material goods will mean anything at our appointed time, for death is the great equalizer. Thoreau wrote, "Oh God, to have reached the point of death without ever having lived at all." Without Christ in your life as your mentor, you will never know the peace that will last, as my soul mate used to say, "Forever and a day." Chaplain Back's lesson is a powerful statement. Continue strengthening yourself for your decision by reading the entire chapter of Luke. In particular read verse 28 that states, "If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?" And then verse 31 states, "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." Will you seek His kingdom and cast your cares upon Him and trust HIM to guide you as your ancestors that faced death daily chose to do? Food for thought and prayer -for today is the day of salvation.
David Chaltas, Kentucky Division Chaplain