Knowing the Cost

Naval Recollection: John Paul Jones 

In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. The USS Bonhomme Richard was struck; it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, Jones famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later,
the British captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of their ship.

Jones went on to establish himself as one of the greatest naval commanders in history; he is remembered, along with John Barry, as a “Father of the American Navy.” He is buried in a crypt in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel
at Annapolis, Md., where a Marine honor guard stands at attention in his honor whenever the crypt is open to the public.

As I live my life I must remind myself to ask myself: What's the cost?

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?  For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build and wasn't able to finish."  Luke 14:28-30

Preparing to enter the armed forces, it is crucial for me to understand the costs in order to be 100% committed.  I must know that I am willing to go all the way if my men's lives are at stake.  Will I be a John Paul Jones and declare in the most dire situations, "I HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT!"

If you are a believer, then you know what you are getting yourself into.  Jesus makes it no mystery when he tells his disciples in Luke 9, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"

Random update:

These days I've been very committed to learning the art of jiu-jitsu, and it has been one of best consistent parts of my week.  I can tell immediately when rolling with beginners as we are the ones who typically exhaust all our strength and depend on a few techniques combined with our athleticism to lead us to victory.  While this leads to a great workout, it can easily lead to pointless injuries and sore bodies.  I've noticed that the more advanced pupils conserve their energy, utilize their defense, and take their time as if they are fighting a war and not a battle.  The difference is that doing it this way allows you to learn more about your opponent, calm down, learn which techniques can be combined, and be ok with losing a few rounds.  In the beginning I used to be focused on winning and submitting my opponents.  As I've continued to train, my ability to concentrate and take the time to try different strategies has improved.  I am first to admit that I still have much to improve on, but that is the joy of jiu-jitsu: I can see my improvement every day.