American Airmen -- When it seems impossible

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Capt.) Ralph T. Elliott Jr.
  • 35th Fighter Wing chapel
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Many obstacles will line your path as you journey through life. The issues relating to family, deployments and reintegration, handling new responsibilities on your job, striving to meet deadlines, anticipating promotion or retirement, or your job is threatened, landing you in a state of panic. These are just a few troublesome moments in life. However, do not lose heart. The good news is you are not alone. Others share in these undertakings with you. And of course, God promises to guide you through these difficult times.

In order to overcome these tough times, you must have a plan. Start by accepting the fact that there are obstacles, and that there will be many more as you strive to reach your goals. It's important to establish goals that are realistic and flexible. A good practice is to take small steps -- one day at a time. Remember that you are not alone. So share with others, and endeavor to be a part of a team. There's little joy and rarely is there any significant satisfaction when you try to succeed alone. You've heard the saying, "two heads are better than one." So use all of your resources. Stay focused when it seems impossible! You have strength reserved just for those hard times. So press on.

There will be times when your mission gets difficult; you will experience the temptation to give up, change your goals and quit the team. Quitting is only an intoxicating delusion that causes character degradation. It destroys your strength and your resolve to complete the task. With regard to team, you will always be valued most as a key player if you are continually devoted to the team. Reflect on these words by St. Francis of Assisi who once said, "start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." I also invite you to reflect upon the invigorating words found in the last stanza of our Airman's Creed -"I am an American Airman: Wingman, leader, warrior, I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail."