From Pulpit to Navy Blue - Day #5

A Pastor's Journey Toward Navy Reserve Chaplaincy at 48

Entry #5

June 13, 2026

Today was one of the most productive days so far in this journey. It was a day filled with progress, preparation, family responsibilities, and continued growth toward the goals that have been set before me.

The morning began early with a blood pressure reading after using the bathroom. The reading was encouraging and reflected the positive impact that exercise, improved nutrition, and weight loss are beginning to have. While there is still work to do, moments like this provide motivation to remain consistent.

As has become my routine, I spent time in God's Word before beginning the day. The pursuit of physical readiness is important, but spiritual readiness remains the greater priority. Every aspect of this journey must remain grounded in faithfulness to Christ.

After my Bible reading, I headed out for my run. Today marked another encouraging milestone as I completed a two-mile run/walk in just under thirty minutes and found myself running significantly more than before. Each week I can see gradual improvements in endurance. The process is not easy, but it is working.

Following the run, I had a protein shake to aid recovery and continued my study of Navy and Marine Corps ranks. Earlier in the week I had laminated rank charts, and today I spent additional time memorizing officer ranks and learning military structure. The more I study, the more familiar this new world becomes.

Lunch consisted of a chicken salad, keeping with my goal of making healthier food choices and maintaining a high-protein diet. After lunch, I drove to Beaufort to pick up socks and purchase a carrot cake for Jennifer. With her surgery approaching, I wanted to make sure things were in order and take care of some practical needs.

When I returned home, I took a two-hour nap, which provided much-needed recovery after the morning's activities. Upon waking, I headed to the church office where I finished preparing Sunday's sermon from Genesis 47:1–12, The Pathway to Preservation. There is always a sense of gratitude that comes when sermon preparation reaches completion and I can spend the remainder of the weekend praying over the message and making final adjustments.

Dinner was simple and enjoyable: chicken and rice with the family. Later in the evening I completed a short aerobic workout that included dirty squats, opposite leg lifts, crunches, same-side knee lifts, and under-leg claps. It was not a lengthy workout, but it allowed me to finish the day with intentional movement and continue building healthy habits.

One concern during the day was a post-run blood pressure reading that climbed to approximately 154/95 after cooling down and showering. While the number was higher than I would like, it was taken after physical exertion. The encouraging reality is that my resting readings have continued to trend in a healthier direction. The process of improving cardiovascular health takes time, and patience is required.

As the day came to a close around 10:00 PM, I found myself reflecting on how God often works through ordinary days. There were no dramatic breakthroughs today, yet there was progress in nearly every area of life: spiritual growth, physical conditioning, sermon preparation, family care, and military preparation. Day by day, those small investments begin to accumulate.

Scripture for Reflection

Hebrews 12:1 — "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."(NASB95)

Lessons Learned Today

• Progress is often measured in small improvements rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

• Endurance is built one workout at a time.

• Preparation for future opportunities requires discipline in the present.

• Family responsibilities remain a vital part of faithful stewardship.

• God uses ordinary days to accomplish extraordinary purposes over time.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the strength and energy You provided today. Thank You for the progress in my health, the completion of sermon preparation, and the opportunity to care for my family. Help me continue running the race You have set before me with endurance and faithfulness. May every step of this journey bring glory to Christ and prepare me for whatever service You have planned. Amen.