What An Incredible Day

As I pulled into the parking lot, I really didn't know what to expect. I had anticipated walking into that building for weeks, but I was still a bit apprehensive as I sat in the truck and watched other vehicles pulling into the lot.

This meeting had been on my mind every day for the past several weeks. I thought I had done everything I could to prepare for it. I talked to family members about it, I prayed about it, heck, I even read the "preliminary readings" twice so I would fully know the topic at hand. But who was I kidding. For a moment I sat in the truck, seriously thinking of just driving home, forgetting the whole thing, and getting on with my life.

The strangest thoughts were going through my head. Surely someone else would want this responsibility more than I do. Surely someone out there is much more qualified than I am. Then it hit me. Someone I hold in the highest esteem chose me for this responsibility. The least I could do is take it. If I didn't do it, who would? Who could? Who else would step up and take my place? Would they really want that responsibility more than me? Would they really be more qualified than I am?

I opened the door and got out of the truck. I walked slowly to the door of the building, contemplating with every step the responsibility that awaited me.

There was a young lady sitting at the welcome desk of the conference center. I'm sure I looked more than a bit nervous walking up to the desk. She greeted me with a smile and pointed me in the direction of the meeting room. As I was ascending on the escalator, I noticed about a dozen people in military uniforms coming in the door behind me. Normally when I see people wearing the uniform of our armed forces I feel nothing but the deepest respect and gratitude This time that respect was accompanied by an enhanced sense of fear. Why were they here? Were they going to be a part of the meeting or was this just a coincidence?

I turned the corner and almost ran into a few people. All of them were in military uniforms. Was I in the right place? Before I could ask, I was being greeted by the staff. They confirmed I was in the right place, and welcomed me to the meeting. I still had no idea what to expect, or why so many people were in uniform. I walked cautiously through the door.

The room had six tables with six chairs at each table. There were a few tables in the back holding pastries and coffee and people were milling about chatting with one another. I scanned the room for a familiar face, but found none. I noticed a few of the tables were full, so I took the first seat I came to.

Moments after I sat down, two Navy officers sat to my right and an Army officer sat across the table from me. Two other men in civilian clothes soon followed and sat to my left.

The meeting started.

During our first break I was still a bit nervous. Although I was having a good time, I couldn't get the weight of responsibility off my shoulders. Was this really something I wanted to do? Was this really something I thought I could do? Hesitantly, I walked back into the room for the next session.

Then it happened. Something clicked.

I could feel it. No, it wasn't fear, it was the sense of responsibility, and I had been feeling it all along. That's why I woke up early on a Saturday morning, left my wife and kids at home, and drove 50 miles into the city. That's why I got out of the truck and walked into that building. That's why I was still there, sitting in that meeting.

I knew it all along. It was my duty. It was my responsibility.

By the end of the day I was glad I didn't leave. I felt a sense of pride for standing up and taking part in the process. I felt honored to be asked to do so. The meeting was awesome, the training was superb, and the people were amazing. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

I learned quite a few things this past Saturday.

I learned that it's normal to sense fear when accepting great responsibility, as long as you don't let that fear overtake you.

I learned it's possible for someone else to know your true character better than you do yourself.

I learned you can't run away from what you truly believe, no matter how many times you try to talk yourself into believing something completely different.

I learned the most important thing in life is the path you choose to take.

I learned that becoming a Local Board Member for the Selective Service System is a significant way to do your part to help your country.