Turning
Originally Published May 2023
I had the pleasure of traveling to Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore), an Army post in Columbus, Georgia. The purpose was to see my son complete infantry training - a training that lasted 22 weeks! There is an important ceremony involved with this training. It is called “turning blue” because the soldiers receive the blue braided cord that is worn by all who complete infantry training. While this course was just the first in a long list of trainings that he will experience, it carries an importance because the infantry is the backbone of the Army and has been around since the Revolutionary War. Hence, honoring those who complete the training with a ceremony that observes a change is significant. Those soldiers have not just turned blue, they have turned into something that they weren’t before, and the change is something to be celebrated.
A turning is an action. It involves the concept of change. Whether turning directions in your car or turning a piece of wood on a lathe, turning means that something is going to change. Something is going to be different, hopefully better, but different nonetheless.
Each spring I am reminded of all the turning that is happening or will happen soon. We hold events to introduce students and parents to a new school. We celebrate a year of learning new skills and information with concerts, showcases, and various events. We recognize accomplishments. High school, college, and adult education graduates will turn their tassels from the right to the left denoting the successful completion of an educational program. Elementary students will turn into middle schoolers. Middle schoolers will turn into high schoolers. It seems there is a time for all types of turning. Just like the 1965 hit from The Byrds: Turn! Turn! Turn!
“To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn”
But with all of this turning, there is a little bit of loss. Moving forward and changing means that something is being left behind: friends, teammates, childhood. If this is a season of turning for you, I hope that it is a positive one - one that is worthy of acknowledgement and celebration. And I also hope that what is left behind are fond memories and cherished relationships that will carry you into the next chapter and the next turning.
