ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q3-2026

continued from "A Message From Our Chaplain" page 43

Each morning I found myself captivated by the view, except one. On the second-to-last day of the conference, I awoke before that same unobstructed window but immediately immersed my self in my morning routine and preparations for the day. It was quite some time before I finally looked up again. When I did, the familiar sight once again brought a sense of peace and awe. It also brought an unexpected realization: in only a few days, I had already become capable of overlooking one of the great wonders of the world simply because I had become more focused on what I needed to do than on what I had the privilege to experience. I was reminded how quickly we can become accustomed to extraordinary blessings. Human nature often shifts our atten tion away from what surrounds us every day toward what we do not have or what demands our attention next. Yet true content ment comes from learning to appreciate what has already been entrusted to us while maintaining the proper perspective amid life's responsibilities. The Apostle Paul wrote that he had "learned to be content" regardless of his circumstances. That lesson remains just as relevant today. Contentment is not passive acceptance; it is an intentional posture of gratitude. It allows us to recognize beauty, celebrate relationships, appreciate opportunities, and find joy even amid life's inevitable challenges.

While this conference provided opportunities for personal reflection, it also fulfilled its annual purpose of advancing learn ing, strengthening collaboration, and renewing our shared com mitment to excellence in public safety leadership. As you look ahead, I encourage each of you to consider par ticipating in upcoming local, national, and international FBINAA conferences. If possible, make plans to reconnect with longtime friends, welcome new ones, and continue growing through the unique fellowship, professional development, and shared com mitment to service that are among the many privileges of being National Academy graduates and members of our FBINAA family. May you and your loved ones be well. May each of us con tinue striving to grow in character, respond with grace when life presents unexpected challenges, and cultivate a spirit of grati tude that enables us to cherish every person, every opportunity, and every blessing—great and small—rather than allowing them to become things we simply take for granted.

Blessings,

Kevin Jensen FBINAA Chaplain NA Session 222

44 FBINAA.ORG | Q3 2026