#174: Why Do Some Serve?

What price do we place on a human life?

Can we ever define that trait that pushes a person to give of himself or herself so others may have freedom in their country, in their towns and in their homes?

Did you watch the movie, "A Few Good Men"? If so, do you recall Jack Nicholson's soliloquy at the end of the film? He spoke of the average person's need to have selfless people walking the wall of protection.

Whether military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical staff, ministers or other personnel, there are some people who run toward trouble while most others run away from it.

What fills these protectors with such a spirit of helpfulness and service to others? What is this indefinable characteristic?

We may never completely know why some people forgo being with their families during the holidays and throughout the year as they put their lives first so others may sleep peacefully in their beds at night.

But we can be thankful that every hour of every day these special ones look out for us, strangers to them but kindred souls in the heart of humanity.

The next time you see a soldier of any branch of service, a police officer or firefighter, doctor or minister or other person who defines their life as secondary to those they serve, please say "Thank you."

You may never know how much such simple words will mean to the person who receives them. But, if you do this, your heart and theirs will be filled with joy and peace beyond understanding.