Just Yesterday I Got the Call

Last updated on: November 13, 2014 at 10:50 pm by Susan Maginn

Just Yesterday I Got the Call 2014-11-13T22:50:17-07:00 Susan Maginn

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Just yesterday I got the call.

“Reverend Maginn,” declares Chaplain Jason Dipinto who has faithfully called me Reverend Maginn through three months of countless emails and phone calls. “Reverend Maginn, you have been accepted into the Navy Chaplain Corps!”

There are so few of us Unitarian Universalist ministers serving in military chaplaincy; I thought I would briefly tell you how this unlikely tale came to pass.

A week ago I was sitting in the Pentagon before a formal panel, interviewing in the Navy’s Chief of Chaplains Office. I was confident that I answered their hardball questions to the best of my ability, but still I left the interview uncertain if I, a middle-aged, peace-loving woman would ultimately be considered a desirable candidate for military chaplaincy.

This rigorous application process ended at the Pentagon and started in a parking lot. I had a couple extra minutes before picking up my kids from circus camp and checked the phone. There was a message from LinkedIn telling me that I might be a good candidate for the Navy Chaplain Corps. I was stunned. I read the message again slowly. Again. And again. And again. Then I heard myself say: “You bet your ass I am.”

This message probably went out to dozens, if not hundreds, of barely tech-savvy clergy. I certainly didn’t feel special to receive this generic message. And yet, I did feel kinda special. After all, this message might not be a just a recruiter’s mass-mailed invitation to consider military chaplaincy; it might be a sign! And not a terribly subtle sign either, which has always been my favorite kind.

Here’s a bit of context. After years of ministerial formation and years of serving congregations, I voluntarily resigned from congregational leadership. My young children’s health was of concern and so was the health of my marriage. The undivided attention I had given to my ministerial formation was now needed at home. And although I had done fine work with the congregations I had served, I must admit that I left this last position with some uncertainty if congregational leadership was a good match for my gifts in ministry such as they are.

By the time I got this mass mailing from LinkedIn I had many years of watching my prejudice against the military melt away. How did this prejudice melt away, you might ask? Well, to boil it down, I simply came to know and understand and respect real live people who are in the military. Years ago I would guess I was pretty typical among political and religious liberals who are more comfortable with pitying members of the military than with truly understanding the kind of motivation and commitment it takes to serve in the military. And now, I’m one of them!

I’m excited to count myself among our amazing Unitarian Universalist military chaplains. I’m excited to carry a ministry where I can be devoted to a unit of dynamic young adults who come from a variety of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I’m excited to serve a ministry that will have variety, likely changing focus and physical location at least every few years, perhaps on another coast, perhaps overseas. I’m excited about a ministry where the special role of the chaplain has high stakes and is considered an essential component of a unit’s success. I’m excited about a ministry where being in great spiritual and physical health is a requirement.

My family is excited, too. My kids heard the news and burst into exclamations and amazements that their old mother could be in the military. My son saluted me, calling me ‘sir’.

My husband will continue to work, but he joyfully accepts the distinct possibility that as my career develops, his could fall away. Especially if we were stationed overseas or if the kids continue to be home-schooled. He and I are exchanging roles of being the primary parent and being primary bread winner.

What’s next? I’ll have my commissioning ceremony within the month where I will take an oath and sign papers, officially becoming an officer in the Navy. In February I will leave home to start 12 weeks of training in Rhode Island and in South Carolina. My first assignment, yet to be determined, will likely begin in May. My family will join me in June.

Meanwhile, I’m getting ready. I’m seeing a spiritual director in support of my meditation practice. I’m diving into the depths of my love for progressive Christianity. I’m running 35 miles per week and my pushups are becoming less and less pathetic every day. Am I thrilled, daunted, honored? You bet your ass I am.

So what is at work in your life? Are there unexpected opportunities emerging? Are there old prejudices melting away, preparing you for something new?

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