Howdy! - Pt 4

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV).

One of the great traditions is the Corps of Cadets. It might be somewhat of a surprise to know that in each world war, A&M has provided more officers than any other college or service academy. A&M has been called the "West Point of the Southwest." In fact, one of our relatives, Norman G. Crocker, for whom the former Crocker Dorm was named, was the first known Aggie to have given his life in World War I. There are eight Aggies who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, thousands of others have served with distinction and valor. The truth is if not for the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M would not exist. Military training was the reason for the campus' creation and symbolizes the university's foundation for traditions and pride. As the university has evolved along with society, the Corps, known as "The Keepers of the Spirit of Aggieland," continues to be known for its values and leadership. Values and leadership is a key phrase. It is the embodiment of all that is good about A&M. Remember as I began this little series, I really didn’t know the impact of becoming an Aggie would have in my life. I chose A&M because it was the least expensive of my options. When I was awarded a partial scholarship from the Galveston County Aggie Club, and saw that much of my education could be paid through membership in the Corps of Cadets and a military commission, I simply chose A&M. So much happened that first year, we simply don’t have the time to tell here. That which is crucial, and I hope inspirational to you is found embedded in our reading today. Paul could have said a great deal about his adventuresome past; some of it would have been said with pride and others of it would have whispered with regret. No one of us, no matter how accomplished or successful can truly look back without some sense of failure or regret. All of us have those kinds of moments where the past haunts us and the future terrifies us. So, let me embed this principle before you. It has served me well, especially in these latter decades of my life: Never let past failures or future fears rob you of present joy. Remember how Paul put it… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. That was a principle that I learned from the Corps and has been undergirded with my faith. Perhaps you are at a place like the apostle in your life. Press on! The goal of the higher calling of Christ is being perfected in your life. He will not let go!