Step-by-Step: A Veteran’s New Mission on CampusSample

The Patience Step

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).

Trusting that God is with you provides a strong foundation for your first step onto campus. But it won’t be long until you are called on to take another courageous step forward with patience.

You might hear, “Thank you for your service!” And you may be asked, “Did you kill anyone?” To the first, you could say, “I was just doing my job.” But honestly, to both of those statements, and other possible triggers, you may cringe before accepting that college students just don’t understand. That takes patience.

I remember displaying my ignorance when asking my brother similar questions after he returned home from Vietnam in 1970 and went back to college. I was young and naïve, not knowing much about evil or war, but he knew all too well the burden of war that generations of veterans sacrificially and willingly bear. His maturity and self-discipline developed in military training were also qualities I had not yet practiced under pressure. He responded to me with grace, smiling a half-smile and asking instead about my life and struggles.

Proverbs 14:29 states, "A patient man has great understanding …” Demonstrating patience now could mean taking your military experience and asking good questions to understand how your fellow classmates also feel burdened, lonely, confused, or anxious.

The bond with your veteran friends will always be close, but it will take steps of patience to build a new camaraderie network during the intense study and career preparation.

Question to Ponder: How would God lead you to respond to those who don’t understand your military experience?