Yesterday at the gym, I saw a man with a USMC tattoo. I approached him and asked him a question. Here was our dialogue:
ME: “Were you in the Marine Corps?”
HIM: “Yes, I still am.”
ME: “Thank you for serving our country.”
HIM: “Thank you.”
ME: “It amazes me, what people like you do.”
HIM: “Thank you.”
Over the last few years, I’ve made a point to go up to servicemen and women on the street, in shops and in airports and thank them for serving our country. I had read quite a few accounts from soldiers saying how much they appreciated that. It’s the least I can do. I truly am amazed at what these brave men and women sacrifice to keep us all safe.
Yes, war is horrific. It’s brutal and barbaric, and should never be an option among civilized people. The notion of killing people in the name of God only knows what makes me sick to my stomach. But I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for the people fighting those wars. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do it. Yet they willingly risk their lives for people like me.
Please keep that in mind the next time you see a serviceperson. Brush aside any hesitation, walk right up and say, “Thank you.” You both will walk away feeling uplifted.
ABOUT PHIL BOLSTA
Phil is the author of Through God’s Eyes: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World, a comprehensive guide to living a spiritual life. Who will benefit from reading it?
Anyone who is on a spiritual path, or wants to start one
Anyone who loves life, or wants to learn how to
Anyone who is happy, or wants to be happier
To order your copy of Through God’s Eyes, go to GodsEyesOrder.com OR order from Amazon at GodsEyesAmazon.com OR for an inscribed copy, click here to e-mail Phil for information.
Click here for more information about Through God’s Eyes.
Click here to ask Phil to add you to his e-mail list for updates on his blog and books.
Here is a two-minute video introduction to Through God’s Eyes.
Phil is also the author of Sixty Seconds: One Moment Changes Everything, a collection of 45 inspiring, life-changing stories from prominent people he interviewed, including Joan Borysenko, Deepak Chopra, geneticist Dr. Francis Collins, acclaimed sportswriter Frank Deford, Dr. Larry Dossey, Wayne Dyer, Dan Millman, Caroline Myss, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, James Van Praagh, singer Billy Vera, Doreen Virtue, Neale Donald Walsch, and bassist Victor Wooten.
Here is a three-minute video that introduces you to Phil and his book. Click here to order Sixty Seconds. Click here to ask Phil to add you to his e-mail list for updates on his blog and books.
Reading this book is like spending a few minutes face to face with each of the contributors and listening to their personal stories. Click here to read unsolicited testimonials from readers. Learn more by visiting the official Sixty Seconds website.
Sixty Seconds was one of three finalists in the General Interest/How-To category at the 12th annual Visionary Awards presented by COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) in Denver on June 27, 2009.
Tags: army, gratitude, Marines, military, navy, serving our country, soldiers, thank you
