There are times during a a military career when you question your decision to join the military but you know deep down that you are doing it because you love it (even if sometimes you hate it). So when we heard the Army was drawing down-- basically giving people the pink slip, many of us were heartbroken. That this happened around the time that I was going to the Lieutenant Colonel promotion board was dejecting. Especially because the rumor was that selection rate would be around 60-70%, the lowest in a decade. That's harsh. Well today the results came out and...
GUESS WHO WAS SELECTED FOR PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL?!?!?!?! YES I DID!!!!
And I found out while I was at Starbucks where I proceeded to do a happy dance in front of everyone. And the baristas at Starbucks were so awesome that they even gave me a coffee for free with a congratulations note written on it!
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| note says: "Maria, the Lt. Col. Such excitement!" |
My first though was my dad who always called me "his Colonel" because he always had such faith in me. And I almost started crying but I had to dig deep because an Army officer in tears as a public place is not cool. lol.
Once I managed to control my emotions, and I came down from cloud 9, I was shocked and excited all at the same time especially because with a new rank comes bigger responsibilities and I am being reassigned in the fall to a new base in Arizona to go with my future higher rank. Talk about a change from Kansas! I feel like I am in a wild wind of action!
I could so freak out about this right now, but instead I am choosing to enjoy the moment and this blessing that God has bestowed upon me. I consider myself so fortunate especially when so many of my peers (including two of my best friends) did not get selected for promotion. It kind of puts a damper on the happiness. But this is such an honor and a privilege that I have no words to express how grateful I am. For weeks this Scripture has been in my heart and wow, did it suddenly become very glaring as to why.
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| PHOTO VIA |
The past three years of pain, tears and grief seemed to be norm yet in the back of my head I held on to these words in Jeremiah 29:11. When David proposed to me this past New Year's Eve it seemed like a big change was coming and I embraced it. Now this new change throws a monkey wrench on the plans. Again, I held on to these words.
And I had to keep telling this to myself as I started thinking about the wedding and everything that it entailed. But again, I have the most amazing fiance! He is super proud and really understood this is something I have to do. The wedding plans are still on-- no fear! But again... I could so freak out with all the sudden changes but instead I have peace. It is a peace that baffles me but makes me smile because that means that I am growing in His Word. I am letting these words guide me as I prepare for this new journey and I am going to enjoy every moment of it. I am just very thankful I get to share the good news with you! :)
Thankful Thursday. Little Things Thursday. Whatever Is Lovely. The Weekend Brew. Sharing His Beauty. The Sunday Community. Coffee For Your Heart.
CHEERS TO YOU!!! From my coffee to your sbux in that pic!!!! oh happy day! YAYAYAY! xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats big time!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such amazing news!!! HIGH FIVE!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteI salute you, Ma'am!!!! Congrats!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is cooler than this!! You go girl, huge huge congrats :)
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing!! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Such a well-deserved promotion, and what changes it will bring!
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies! It has been a pretty surreal day! But I have been overwhelmed with love and support today. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! What an honor. Where in AZ are you headed?! I'm from Tucson :)
ReplyDeleteMaria! The link party has begun, and you had indicated that you wanted to post to participate? Are you still going to? Please let me know if you are still going to post since people are already starting to visit! Anita
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This announcement is definitely deserving of all CAPS! What an accomplishment and honor. Thank you for your service and for such a heartfelt sharing of this!
ReplyDeleteCongratualtions!!!! It was a tough thing trying to congratulate friends who got selected while being sensitive to those who didn't. Your dad is certainly proud of you and you should be proud of yourself!!
ReplyDelete