Reason To Celebrate!!!

Back in April, Josh took the E6 advancement exam. This means that he was hoping to basically be given a "promotion" from E5 to E6 by way of taking the test, passing and then be advanced. There are several stipulations to advancing, even after passing the test, but I don't know what all they are. Anyway, we got the results about two weeks ago, where we learned that he had not advanced. It was pretty disappointing, considering that this was now Josh's 3rd time taking the test, passing it but not having advanced. I received an email containing the following quote, which I then passed onto Josh...

"The Lord puts challenges in your path to mold your character. For your own personal growth He will often let you struggle with a matter for a while, even when you are pleading for help. But as you follow true principles, He will finally see you through. He intends that when you have reached your extremity, you will turn to Him for comfort, peace, and assistance. He will send these through the quiet prompting of the Spirit. He will give reassurance and guidance that are essential to correct decisions in your life. "You are learning powerful, eternal lessons. Be sure you understand them. The Lord does not abandon your urgent pleas, nor is He ever, for even a moment, unmindful of your anguish and heartache. He hears every supplication. He invariable answers according to spiritual law. Understanding that law will help you appreciate how the Lord answers your prayer. His silence and seeming absence at times are a powerful means of expanding your vision and understanding as you continue in faith to do your best."
~Richard G. Scott

Well, just as this quote identifies the promise that the Lord will see you through your challenge, even after you may think He is ignoring you...we were able to see that very promise take place! While Josh struggled to understand why after all of his efforts toward making E6 and it not happening...the promise was fulfilled. The initial results of the exam came out saying that he had not advanced. Turns out, he got a call today letting him know that there was a message sent to a chief in his command notifying everyone that there was a clerical error and that Josh had passed AND advanced. This is such good news, and an answer to our prayers. We are so excited!!! The only down side to this news is it's timing, since I won't be able to be present at the ceremony that takes place when he gets "pinned" with his new rank. I'm very bummed about that, but this is still so amazing and exciting. To see this new step finally taking place, and also seeing a prayer answered in our lives.

Congratulations Baby! You deserve it for all of your hard work and dedication!!! I love you!!!