"I Have Finished My Course..." - Week 42

Ten months ago, before I left for this deployment, I made a commitment to God to consecrate myself and my efforts throughout this mission. I wanted to honor that commitment to the very end. This last week has felt very much like when I was winding down my church missionary service in Brazil over 18 years ago. I literally ran until the last night because I wanted to give the Lord everything I had. 

I only had a few days to teach my chaplain replacements the job I have been doing for the last nine months due to a delay in their arrival. I worked hard all the way to the end and can look back now with satisfaction that I gave it my all. I am reminded of the quote from Vince Lombardi: 

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious."

Or as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 

I have grown so much this year both professionally and personally. Only by the grace of God and the help of mentors have I been able to accomplish the things I have during this time. I am immensely grateful to Him for that.

I have left the Middle East and am in the process of demobilizing in Texas now, trying to get my days and nights back on track. I am looking forward to getting home this week to embrace my family and enjoy some rest. 

Now that my travels are in the past, I can share a few pictures. My youngest daughter, Leah, gave me a small teddy bear before I left, so I took these pictures with her bear to show he has been with me all along. I plan to give it back to her with a small album of these photos. 

Thanks again to all of you out there who have blessed me and my family with your thoughts, prayers, and charitable service during this time. I pray that the Lord blesses you for your kindness. 

In His Service, 

Chaplain John Critchfield