A Christian Wife’s Perspective on Military Life

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a military wife. Now that I am one, I can’t imagine anything else! Don’t get me wrong, it definitely comes with its fair share of challenges. I realize that it isn’t for everyone, but my husband and I both feel that this is exactly where the Lord has placed us and with that comes great blessing and contentment. (I’m not speaking geographically here, but more on that later! 😜)

While we are only in our 6th year and still have a long way to go, I have learned a lot. There abbreviations for everything and most of them don’t make sense! There are lows (like deployments) & highs (like homecomings) as with anything else in life. So I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned, some of the things that I love, and even a few silly things in between.

1. Flexibility is a prerequisite! You can plan all you want, but chances are, it will change a million times and almost always at the last minute.

2. Friends are everywhere. They say there is a special bond between the military brotherhood. But let me just say, that goes for us spouses too! There is a unique understanding and connection that comes with military spouse friendships! You also learn to make friends quick before one or the other gets orders somewhere new!

Quick story time! When we first moved to DM, I was overwhelmed with military life and dealing with all sorts of new changes. The street we moved on had a Facebook page where the spouses on that street could connect. They even had get-together’s! I didn’t get fully involved, but to this day, I am so grateful for those women. Scripture says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…” (Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬a) I’m determined to be more like some of those ladies on Cholla Court who were friendly, welcoming, inviting, and supportive. Becoming a military spouse can be overwhelming, but having someone show you the ropes can make a world of difference! I pray I seize every future opportunity to help a new milspouse, make a new friend, or simply lend some sugar when needed! And to my Cholla Court ladies, thank you! ❤️

3. Base life is the best life. I almost feel silly saying that considering we moved off base! But the security that comes with base life is definitely a perk. In fact, I still go to the track or running course on base for my exercise! It’s my first choice for grocery shopping (except for the produce, am I right?!) and if base housing offered smaller living spaces, that’s where we would be! We lived on base for several years and every time Colten would go TDY, I was so thankful to be on a secure base. Base life is the best life!

4. Stubbed Toes on Combat Boots is a way of life and military green consumes the laundry. Silly examples? Maybe. But the truth is, I’ll take combat boots & loads of laundry any day because that means he’s home!

5. Travel! I had never been to Arizona until we moved here for the military. Since then, we’ve been able to explore so many beautiful places within driving distance. And the same will be true with each new duty station.

6. Patriotism runs deep in your heart and July 4th is always a big celebration. Even with all the struggles this country faces, it is still the greatest nation on Earth. It was built on godly principles. And as a Christian first and foremost, I know that with freedom always comes great sacrifice. I’m beyond proud to stand beside my husband as he wears that uniform. I’m proud to be an Air-Force wife. And I am proud to be an American. 🇺🇸

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬

7. Deployments are hard. But there’s nothing quite as sweet as when he comes home! Colten and I are incredibly blessed with wonderful families and a great support system. That certainly helped with the deployment process. As Christians, we know that our strength comes from the Lord and He was faithful to provide just what we needed each day through that deployment. But it was still a very difficult time. Getting to experience a homecoming and a second first kiss, well… there’s really nothing like it!

Not long ago I heard someone say that they have no control over where they may or may not live because the military decides it for them. And while that’s true to an extent, as a Christian, I know that ultimately it is the Lord who guides our lives and directs our steps.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬

We joke about how DM (Davis-Monthan) stands for ‘don’t move’. We would love nothing more than to be relocated somewhere closer to home. But the reality is, until the Lord opens that door, we have to make the most of where He has currently placed us! What a relief that we can fully trust in Him and His leading in our lives.

And there you have it! Those are just a few things I’ve learned along the way. Military life is not for the faint of heart. It isn’t always easy. But it is very rewarding. And I for one am so thankful the Lord chose me to be a military wife!