Peace in the Unknowns of Military Life

 Growing up I always felt so blessed to live in the same small town, surrounded by all the same people, having the same routines for basically my entire upbringing. 

That blessing though set me up to be a person that loves consistency and a feeling of being in control. 

The next thing I know I’m becoming a military spouse, and in marrying my soldier I also married the military. 

And let me tell you, no consistency or control for me anymore. 

I went from knowing what to expect each and everyday, to having unknown surprises added to every aspect of my life. 

From the big things like: when is my husband leaving next and when will he be coming back. Where will our son go to school and how many times will he have to move schools. Where will I work, where will we live etc..

 

To smaller things: will he be home for our anniversary or birthdays this year, not knowing if he will get leave for family vacation, waiting to see if we get approved for out of town pass for family reunion, how will I juggle things while he is gone, etc..

This lifestyle brings so many questions that most of the time we don’t get the answer to until the last minute. This has driven me crazy in the past, but I’m getting used to it.

In my short time of being a military spouse this is what I’ve learned.. 

- Find peace in not knowing. 

- Be okay with not having all the answers right now.

- Joyfully choose today because the here and now provides me with all the answers I need. 

- As a military spouse I have realized I have a choice to make. I can continue to arm wrestle the Army as the Army continues to win round after round as I tire out. Or, I can choose to embrace it for everything that it is! A wonderful blend of beauty and pain, but man is it worth it.

I will continue to choose joy over control because I understand that I don’t have all the answers, but God does and I trust in him. This gives me peace in the unknowns of military life.