Monday, January 12, 2026

Monday… Somethings bring trouble.

 Today’s picture:

 
Note: This is moving day for us...(but not far)

Now for today:

 Living in the DC area is expensive. I had been promoted to Chief (Chief Petty Officer). Just a note so you will know, A USN Chief very seldom is 'Told What to Do!' LOL Just sayin'.   Sherry and I both worked at ‘The Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS). I took a part time job. I started drinking a little too much, buying a 6 packs most evenings after my part time job at Dart Drugs.

My lack of Faith and actions was taking a toll. I stopped attending church with her regularly. WE worked near each other and one day at work Sherry walked over to my area and asked if I would go to counseling with her. Of course I agreed, no big deal.  An appointment was arranged with a Navy Chaplain.

Over the years of course I have met many military chaplains. Most I truly respected as dedicated men.



Once in his office the chaplain talked to us a little; then listened to our stories. He was very pleasant.  He of course was on the side of a Navy Chief, he surely had to be.  After a while he politely asked Sherry to step out with his secretary.  After she departed we sat there for a minute or two; then that nice man turned into a sinner.

He looked at me sternly, “What is wrong with you Chief? Are you stupid? You have a wonderful understanding wife there. All she is asking is that you attend church with her, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?” Knowing that was a rhetorical ? I just looked at him (of course knowing he was right) “Now Chief you listen, you get your ass in gear, attend church with her, what you do in church I do not care, think of other things, plan, do what ever, but you be in church, is that CLEAR?”  “Yes SIR. Very clear,” I said as meekly as a Navy Chief can. LOL”

He continued, “I have men come in with real problems, you do not have one, all you need to do is attend church, Anything else you have to say?” 

Again I responded to this man who had all of a sudden pulled a Jekel and Hyde on me. LOL, “NO Sir!”

HE called Sherry back in and politely said, “I think we have this solved Mrs. Darnell,” looking at me he continued, “Don’t we Chief Darnell?”   I nodded. He dismissed us.

I again attended church with my sweetheart, still not believing nor having any faith in what was said.  That continued for a year or so until under orders I resettled at a Naval Reserve center in Charlotte, NC to be stationed there until my retirement. 'OH YES,' I continued to attend church regularly with Sherry.

Nite Shipslog

PS:   Thanks for coming our way I hope you enjoyed that story, that one I have told many times. Even here a time or two I am sure.  That Chaplain KNEW things.  That was REAL COUNCELLING,  huh? LOL

4 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

Sometimes answers are so simple we miss them.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Sometimes God has to shake us a bit in order for us to get the message. See what He did to Paul on his way to Damascus!

God bless.

Mevely317 said...

What a wise chaplain! How long before you told Sherry "the REST of the story"?

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Thank goodness, you had a counselor like that one. He sat you straight right off. Now many years later it has all worked out for you two!