I realize that it’s been a while since I last posted anything, but we’ve been busy with training in both the days and the evenings, and the internet at the MWR was down for about four days, so this is the first time I’ve been able to take the time to write anything.  My apologies.

We’ve been doing a lot of training lately that requires visual focus and mental understanding.  Before Thanksgiving, we went through driver’s training on the MATV, which is basically a large up-armored vehicle that can withstand an attack better than the HMMWV can.  Due to the exterior of the vehicle, the driver’s vision is drastically reduced, and he must rely on his A-driver (in the front passenger seat) as well as his gunner (in the turret behind and above him) in order to see around the vehicle.  In addition to just learning how to operate and drive the vehicle, we also had to do night-time driving with the use night vision goggles (NVGs).  Now, we had to rely on not only our ability to operate the vehicle, but we also had to learn to trust our NVGs and to trust our own eyes in order to safely operate it.  Lastly, we did some off-road driving after a big rain storm.  In that training, we had to learn to trust our instincts in how we controlled the vehicle in the mud, which was – by far – the most fun we had in the MATVs. 

After driver’s training, we had four days off for Thanksgiving.  In order to save a little money, I decided to go with two other soldiers to a smal town in east Texas for the holiday rather than fly back to Colorado.  The mother of one of the soldiers I went with lives there, so we were still able to enjoy a big meal.  But in spending the holiday away, I learned to see how different it is being apart from family for a holiday (or just being in east Texas for that matter --- people out there are a little … different).  We did, however, get to see some alligators at a nearby alligator farm, and we also got to eat some 'gator, which was like chicken but tougher.

This past week, we took our final Dari language test, through which I learned to see how difficult it is to learn a new language.  Then for the rest of the week, we went through weapons qualifications on the M4 and the M9.  We’ve had to learn to see with our iron sights, with an ACOG, and with NVGs in order to meet the qualification requirements. 

I write about all of this learning to “see” because the older I get, I realize how important it is to see (or understand) the world and people around me.  And this training allows for a good analogy.  We’ve had a few moments lately when things have gotten stressful and tense.  Additionally, the wretched cold humidity of Louisiana only worsens the situations, as now half of us are suffering from colds.  But through these last few weeks (with their mini trials and frustrations), I’ve begun listening to Christmas music, because I greatly enjoy Christmas music (both religious and holiday) and I appreciate the messages behind the songs.

One such tune that I like hearing and contemplating upon is God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.  Here’s another example of learning to see:  the language used in the title of this song dates back hundreds of years to the transition from Middle English to Present-Day English.  Most people hear the first line and think that it’s actually about God giving us rest.  It’s not though.  In this example, the word “rest” actually means “to make.”  And the word “merry” actually translates into Present-Day English as “mighty.”  Think about Robin Hood and his merry men.  Do you think they were merry in regards to being joyous?  No, they were to be mighty and strong.  In this Christmas carol, “merry” is used in the same context.  Therefore, the title actually says “God make you mighty, gentlemen.”  When you see this song title written correctly, you’ll know because there’s a comma after “merry,” which implies that “gentlemen” is the direct address.  When you put this knowledge to the carol, it adds a whole new level of intensity.  Keep this in mind as you read over some of its lyrics:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s powers when we were gone astray
Glad tidings of comfort and joy…

From God, our heavenly Father,
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name
Oh tidings of comfort and joy…

“Fear nothing,” said the angel.  “Let nothing you affright.
This day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan’s power and might.”
Oh tidings of comfort and joy…

This song, then, is really a prayer for strength against Satan and a prayer in praise of the birth of the Savior, through whom we are freed from Satan’s power.  By learning to see, understand, and embrace something we thought that we’ve always known, we come to comprehend things differently.  We think in a different way, which naturally affects our actions, which ultimately changes our life and the lives of those around us. 

Life is rough and dark at times, but we shouldn't be afraid to open your eyes and see.  Because along life’s little journey, the scenery will always be worth it.