The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
EMBRACE
EVERY SEASON
During this change of season, we bear
witness to the emergence of new
life bursting forth with brilliant color
overwhelming the dormancy of winter.
Springtime is here and it gives us hope.
A hope that no matter how long and
cold and barren the winter might be, warmer
and abundant times are coming.
In the same way we experience seasonal
changes in nature, we also find that season
changes happen to us personally. It is important
to know that life is full of seasons. The wisdom
literature of Hebrew scripture points to this very
notion as the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds
us, “For everything there is a season, and a time
for every matter under heaven.”
Some of life’s seasons will be wonderful, easy,
and full of celebrations. We might call these
the mountaintop moments in life. These are the
seasons we long for, we work hard for, and the
ones we want to last. While other seasons will
be difficult, painful, and full of loss. We often
describe these times as walking in the valley.
Moments like these can be very challenging and
can seem as though they drag on too long.
I want to encourage you that no matter what
season you find yourself in, know that life is full
of seasons and seasons always change. If you
are walking in the valley, take heart, for things
are looking up. There is hope! If you are on the
mountaintop right now, don’t fear that a valley
might be in your future. Enjoy the moment, for
you didn’t get to this point without an uphill
climb. Every season is important because
it is full of purpose. As someone once said,
“Everyone wants to be on the mountaintops
of life, but it is in the valley where the real fruit
grows.” Embrace every season, for each one
has great value.
Grace and Peace,
Matthew E. McGarity
LCDR, CHC, USN
U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION
THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2024
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