Don’t let the ruck march of life overwhelm you

Does life ever get overwhelming to you? Do you ever feel burdened with the problems of life? Is a pending deployment or some other burden seemingly overwhelming to you or your loved ones?

Every one of us has been there; we have all been to the point where life seems to be overwhelming us.

About 10 years ago, I was serving as a chaplain assistant at Officer Candidate School.

I thought I was ready for what was coming; boy, was I wrong.

About a week after arriving, my chaplain told me to get ready, because the next day we would be taking part in a 10-mile ruck march.

I was admittedly nervous, it had been a while since I had done such a long ruck march. This was a “must-complete” to graduate from OCS.

That morning, my chaplain and I suited up and began the march. After about mile four, I was feeling it.

I had worn my most comfortable, worn-in boots, but that didn’t help.

First my feet developed huge blisters, and then those huge festering blisters popped.

I started to limp, sweat pouring off me. But my mind set was: I was not going to fall out, and I was not going to stop. After all, I was cadre and the chaplain assistant.

After mile eight, I was at the point where this ruck march was overwhelming. I didn’t think I could go any more, but I kept going, dragging one foot in front of the other.

Finally, I saw the finish line, but I stumbled before I got there and never actually finished my first 10-mile ruck march as a chaplain assistant. I was embarrassed.

I was barely able to get in the truck and drive back to my barracks room.

I had to change something and figure out what to do, because my job had gotten overwhelming.

I had reached the point in my life where, considering everything I had been through and was currently going through, I began to wonder if it was too much for me.

I had to do something, because three weeks later was another 10-mile ruck march. I took care of my feet and began to train for the next one, and after more pain, hurt, and many more blisters, I was ready. I never failed to finish a ruck march after that; as a matter of fact, I excelled at them.

Why? Because I figured out a way to overcome when life had become overwhelming.

I encourage you to find an outlet, a way to overcome. Explore yourself, find what you like, look at your surroundings and find some sort of healthy outlet.

Notice I said healthy – often people find an outlet, but take things overboard, turning it into another overwhelming burden.

As a Christian chaplain, I find my outlet in my relationship with Jesus Christ, and the Bible.

In Matthew 11, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you

rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Again, I encourage you to find a healthy outlet to lighten your load, whether it be working out, fishing, hunting, outdoors activities, indoor activities, computers, movies, or whatever you find that helps you lighten your load.

Remember to watch your family and friends as they go through life, and help them with their burdens, too.

How, you ask? It’s as easy as grabbing your waders, fishing pole, and a friend, and heading to the nearest fishing hole.

Whether you’re a paratrooper, Airmen, Soldier, husband, or wife, there is always a way to lighten your load and help others. Don’t let life overwhelm you.