With Stephen being a veteran, and having dated during his six years of service, we know what life in the service is like. Ever since our kids were little, when we see someone wearing a veteran’s hat, or a serviceman or woman, I encourage them to say “thank you for your service.”
A number of years ago, we had little cards made that said, “thank you for your service” that the kids would hand veterans, or the servicemen and women.
One day, when Gavin was little, we were in the store and Gavin saw a man wearing a Vietnam hat. He asked me for a card and went over and handed the man the card. We continued on shopping when I heard a person say, “excuse me.”
I turned around and it was the man Gavin had given the card to. Holding it in his hand he asked if it was my son who had handed him the card. I said it was. Then with tears in his eyes he said, “no one has ever thanked me for my service until now.”
I stood there in shock at that truth and asked if I could give him a hug, which he agreed to.
I could see Gavin’s eyes light up when I told him how his act of love truly helped that man’s heart feel loved and appreciated.
We went our separate ways but that moment has always stayed with me.
I share it with you today to invite you to join me to...
pause. breathe. pray.
May we give thanks for, and to, our veterans in our life. Give them a call, send a text, go over and say hi, etc.
And the next time you see someone wearing a hat from the service, consider thanking them for their selfless service. You never know, you too may be the first person to ever say those words, “thank you,” to them, and make them feel loved and appreciated.
With gratitude and respect,
Shawn
PS Let’s say thank you to the veteran’s in our life today. Feel free to pass this along to them, or tag their name below.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
- John 15:13