You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July, 2008.
I only recently became aware of the drama that is currently unfolding around NFL quarterback Brett Favre. I learned of it when I saw an interview that he had with Fox News host Greta Van Susteren last night on her show. Here’s the short of it: Brett Favre announced his retirement on March 5th of this year. Since that time, he’s had some doubts and has decided that he wants to play again. The Green Bay Packers, according to a July 11 press release accepted “the finality of his decision to retire.” The statement continues, “At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team.”
I feel bad for Favre, who obviously just wants to play football. However, at the same time, he has to know what a horrible situation he puts the Packers in by making this request. It has not helped any that he follows it up with the prospect of “showing up” at the Packers training camp later this month. This comes after he sought unconditional release from the Packers, without success at this point. This situation is sad and surely will not bode well for public opinion of the Packers or for Favre’s own legacy. I feel for the guy, but maybe it is time to hang it up, or to find other ways to invest his skill, experience, and energy in some younger players.
What do you think?
This summer I’m beginning a new stage of life. I don’t forsee being a full-time student anytime in the near future after pursuing 7 years of higher education at college and seminary. Now, I’m trying to find out what it means to live in the work world, and specifically working as one called to the ministry. It’s time for resumes and job hunting as I search for the place God has for me in ministry.
In the meantime, I’m coming off of a fantastic Chaplain Candidate tour at Lackland AFB. It was there that I gained some great experiences, got several opportunities to see Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) up close, and to interact with the incredible young men and women who serve our country, not to mention those who train, lead, or support them.
More recently I’ve been enjoying some summer reading. One thing I’ve long anticipated is the opportunity to read the books that I want to read. So that is what I’m up to now. I’ve just finished what I believe to be one of the better (if perhaps premature) biographies of President George W. Bush. The book is entitled Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush. As I mentioned before, I do think the book is perhaps a bit premature–a better accounting of his life and presidency will surely come along (with a better perspective) in several years. On the whole, however, I do believe it to be one of the fairer, and more appealing books about this president.
Next up, I’m working on several at once. I’ve picked up Charles Swindoll’s character study on the life of David, entitled David: A Man of Passion and Destiny. It is making for a good read, and is an truly uplifting and informative look at the life of David.
Also, I’ve begun The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg of Willow Creek fame. The third I’ve got going is the fourth volume of Forrest Pogue’s biography of General George C Marshall (currently out of print).
I’ll hopefully give a continued update as the summer goes along. I’ll be turning pages and hope you find something good to occupy your time too.
Well I’m back from San Antonio now. It’s taken some time to get back into the regular schedule after six weeks away. I just had a fantastic time doing my Chaplain Candidate tour at Lackland AFB, the “Gateway to the Air Force.” I could not have asked for a better place to learn about being a chaplain. Lackland is one of the largest military installations in the US and has more chaplains on base than most.
I spent time working with basic trainees, tech school students, and a good portion of the base population. It was a great experience and very educational for me. No doubt I will have plenty of stories to share about this time.
