Acknowledging Service

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

My father served in the navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return he realized pretty quickly that public opinion over his service was not always so favorable. Without any fanfare or accolades, he quietly assimilated back into society, usually not telling anyone of his years of service. He went on to college, married my mother, and started a family, all with little time spent thinking about or talking about those years in the navy.

It wasn’t until almost thirty years later, when he attended a men’s conference, that he was reminded again of his years of service. During the program, one of the speakers asked if there were any Vietnam vets in the room, and if so, would they please stand so they could be acknowledged. My dad hesitantly stood up and looked around as many more men joined him. Suddenly a slow roar of applause moved across the stadium as the other men in the room began to clap and cheer. My dad stood there, tears streaming down his cheeks over the simple acknowledgment of his service from all those years before—service that had never been recognized until that day.

We might never know the impact our acknowledgment of another’s actions may have or what our encouraging words may mean to someone. Perhaps someone has served for years without anyone noticing. Maybe someone has worked tirelessly without any acknowledgment or has continued to take on work for others to lessen their loads or alleviate their burdens. It can be easy to accidentally overlook quiet, humble servants—but they are deserving of our recognition and appreciation. When we take the time to commend or thank another person, it could be just the encouragement they need to keep going, to feel valued, or to sense that what they do truly matters.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Do you know someone who is happy to serve quietly? Take time to acknowledge this person for their hard work that may have been overlooked.

From the book