Many of my regular readers, or at least my Facebook friends, know that my family is still in San Diego almost three weeks after we should have left. However, many of you don't know exactly why. All I have said up until now is that my orders were put on hold.
Well, here is the rest of the story:
On the morning I reported to Journeyman Instructor Training school in San Diego, I failed a preliminary weigh-in and body fat measurement. As many of you know, I have struggled most of my adult life with my weight, particularly this year as I wrote about gluttony in a vain attempt to hold myself accountable. Well, I couldn't do it, but the Navy could. Before I could even get an excuse ready, I was dropped from the class and told to report to the holding division.
I was devastated and horribly embarrassed. I apologized to Alicia immediately, and she responded admirably. Not once did she fault me or attack me, although I had no defense. I have known for a long time that I needed to get squared away. It was my fault and only my fault. No one else did this. I had been surprised by the body fat check, but that didn't mean I was not to blame for it's results.
Something clicked inside of me, though. I became determined not to go off the deep end. A scant few months earlier, I had changed almost everything in my life because I became dismayed at something God had done in our family. I was determined not to do it again. I knew God could do something with this...this pain and embarrassment.
But that is tomorrow's post. What I want to let you know now is that I am still in San Diego because I failed a crucial weight and body fat check. I had held off telling everyone because I wanted to make sure the plan was coming to fruition. Tomorrow I will tell you how God worked a wonder in my life.
6 comments:
I'll be praying for you Dan. I struggled with this my entire Navy career. Never failed a PRT, but always hung around 23-24%. (I blame it on a pear shaped body. Small neck and big waist)
Not sure if the testing has changed in 15 years, but I am certain you can do it!
Blessings
Steve,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. Yes, the Navy pretty much calculates it the same as when you were in. I struggle with that small neck and big waist as well, although I prefer the term Grimace, vice pear...it lets me think of McDonalds instead of fruit! Ok, just kidding...mostly.
Dan
The pear shape is actually desirable, and means you have a smaller waist verses your hips. Its what gives models their special appeal.
I'm anxious to see tomorrow's post!
Side note: quit being so negative on yourself. Think positive and future progress thoughts. :)
I know that God teaches me the most through a failure. That's when we really learn to trust and lean on Him. God bless you, Dan and we will continue to pray for you.
I had no idea. Well, I think you've gotten on the right track to permanently take care of this. :)
Nate, the pear shape might be nice to have, but not necessarily in the way mine is. I just have a big tire around my waist. I need more of a V shape in my upper body.
June, thank you so much! You have been a constant encouragement through this process.
Stephanie, I certainly hope that I'm on the right track. We'll see!
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