I am writing this to You to request a transfer to a desk job.
I herewith present my reasons:
I began my career as a private, because of the intensity of the battle You
have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given
me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits
under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make
judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a
position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the
skills of a private. I realize that You have promised to supply all I would
need for the battle.
But Sir, I must present You a realistic picture of my equipment. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and encourage the instructed troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use. The words are now smeared.
You have promised You would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle Fatigue.
I would
never ask You for a discharge. I love being in Your service.
But I humbly
request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines.
Just get
me out of the battle -- please, Sir. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam.
Your Faithful, but tired, Warrior,
Discouraged Guerrilla
To: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces
Location: The Battlefield
SUBJECT: Transfer
Dear Discouraged Guerrilla:
Your request for transfer has been denied. I
herewith present My reasons:
You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word
to supply your need. You do not need a demotion and transfer.
(You'd never
cut it on latrine duty.) You need a period of "R&R" -- Renewal and
Rekindling. I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated
from all sound and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there
and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and "make all
things new."
You have been wounded in the battle, My soldier. Your wounds are not visible,
but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed.
I will
heal you. You have been weakened in the battle.
You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength.
I will instill in you confidence
and ability. My Words will rekindle within you and renewed love, zeal and
enthusiasm. Report to Me tattered and empty. I will refill you.
My Blood is
sufficient and never runs out.
Compassionately,
Your Commander-in-Chief,
Jesus Christ
The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few.
Author Unknown