Sunday, September 20, 2009

Tanks Don't Have Shock Absorbers

David, my son, straps on my helmet before my ride on a AAV (Amphibian Assault Vehicle) during Family Day at the Marine Base. They piled us "civilians" on board, about twelve of us, six on each side. We plopped down on hard metal benches facing each other. My son climbed over our group and took his place up front to drive the land course for this momentous occasion. I secretly suspected his driving maneuvers to be a bit wild with his Mom and Dad aboard. They were.


From the time the back end closed and the diesel fumes surrounded us, the AAV rocked and rolled, bounced and turned. Whoooeee, I always imagined I possessed adequate, if not more than adequate padding on my backside. Uh, no. The terrain shoved us next to each other and slammed our "buttocks" hard on the metal benches. Of course no seat belts either. (So this is why we strapped on helmets.) I have ridden mules with smoother trots than this. Oh, where are the shock absorbers? But the aim is not comfort here. AAV's are troop carriers and protectors. They carry troops across water or from ships to land and are equipped with weapons for defense.



"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." 2 Corinthians 4:17
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18


Oh, where are the shock absorbers in these verses? Scripture has many verses about hardships and trouble. My husband was laid off from his job last Thursday. Help, I want a shock absorber! But I know that God's aim is much like the AAV. Whether the terrain is over deep water or dangerous land, He is our defense. I must trust His driving. He is equipped with all the weapons for combat and will bring me safely through this battle.




So what if my "buttocks" slams down on the seat, I know I'd rather be protected without shock absorbers than be comfy and vulnerable in war.


Say, does anyone have a pillow?


Blessings**






9 comments:

Diane said...

Cool! My husband would be so jealous. What a special time to have with your son. :O)

Julie Gillies said...

Wow, Karen, how cool is this? You got to ride with your son on one of those vehicles? I would love this sort of field trip. Isn't it funny that even with all our padding we STILL feel all the bumps? hahaha!

By the way, I just saw that your profile states your one of your occupations as "grammy". Hee hee! LOVE it! I need to add that title to my profile, too!

So glad you stopped by my blog. And thank you for your kind thoughts towards our family. It feels like I'm in combat training right now, with all the medical stuff we're enduring. But God is in it!

Karen said...

Diane, my husband loved it too. Yes, wonderful memories.

Julie, it was fun in a weird sort of way, knowing that would be his method of transport in the war. I love being Grammy! I just wish I could see them more often. (They live in VA.)
I will continue in prayer for your family. Thanks for following.

Kathy, yes, I loved just being with him and how proud we were.

Johnnie Alexander said...

Oh, Karen! You had me laughing and then the tears came. I absolutely adore the photo. The camera caught the tenderness between a son and his mom. I get misty-eyes just thinking about it.

Jeanette Levellie said...

Karen: What a great analogy.
I pray and believe God will provide for you and your family, with or without shock absorbers. He is faithful. You are precious to Him.

Clella said...

Karen, Great analogy! I love this picture. It says so much. Clella

Karen said...

Johnnie, it's one of my fav photos too. I'm glad the "funny" came across with the analogy.

Jeanette, yes God is faithful and we will stand on His promises.

Clella, thanks for your encouragement and prayers.

Kathryn Magendie said...

What a wonderful experience to have and share with your son.....

(thank you for stopping by from Angie's blog and sending your well-wishes!)

Karen said...

Kathryn, I hope you are feeling better. And yes, loved every minute of it.