By: Gabriela Yareliz
Yesterday, we honored our veterans. At brunch, I saw many with their symbols of service— hats, tags, jackets, walking canes. All the things. The New York Rangers v Calgary Flames game had a solemn moment of respect for American and Canadian Veterans and service members at the start of the match. It was so respectful I felt like I hadn’t seen something that emotive in a while.
While at brunch, I ordered the red, white and blue pancakes (which was made up of pancakes, topped with strawberries, blueberries and whip). Apparently that plus my attire (my Tunnel to Towers t-shirt and American flag sweater) had our server thinking I had served. I cleared that up. But throughout the day, I thought about service.
The most service-oriented people I know— the ones who truly serve their clients, companies, communities, etc., they all had people in close proximity who also served. My husband is one of the most serving people, and his dad served in the military (and he was just the loveliest man, truly). My parents are service-oriented people, and I grew up in a service-oriented household. My father served in the military, and I know his grandfather was a great influence in his life. A hard-working man. My mother is one of the most service-oriented people I know. She will like self-sacrifice to her own detriment. She grew up with a grandmother who served her community with such an open heart, fed every mouth that came to her door, and her uncles and father served in the military. My grandmother worked in government throughout her career and had a public service role as well.
I grew up in environments where we spent hours in hospitals with people. We spent time getting people groceries and going to their houses in the middle of the night if they needed it. My dad not only served in the military but our family served in ministry at the church. Service has always been a cornerstone.
The older I get, the more solidified the belief becomes that we are wired for service. Nothing brings us the joy service brings us. Nothing transforms us the way sacrificial giving does. Nothing can replace it. It literally feeds the soul. Being around service inspires service in us and others. Seeing the chain of service reminds us what a responsibility we have to show younger generations what service looks like and the benefit that can be drawn from love as action.
I recently heard that studies show that the happier, less anxious people are service-oriented. They think outside of themselves. That is no surprise.
How can we serve more? How do we call others into a service mindset with us? What does it look like to serve from a place of unconditional love? Veterans Day reminds us that the world needs more of that sacrificial giving love. That this type of service is the highest of all honors. We are all called to it. No exceptions.
