At the end of our days, as we stand before our Maker, he will almost certainly ask us “What have you done with your life?” I do not believe he is expecting us to tell him how many widgets we sold or how we achieved budget 16 quarters in a row. No, I think he is going to ask “What have you done for others?” After all, that is precisely what He implored us to do when he taught us to love God and love your neighbors as ourselves. He also reminded us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and treat all his precious creatures as we would treat Him. So,on this Memorial Day weekend, when we remember the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we must look inward and ask, “What have we really done for others?”
Billy Ray Cyrus once sang , “All gave some and some gave all.” Many military members did indeed, give everything they had for their country and on Memorial Day we will pause and remember their sacrifices in cemeteries from Virginia to France, in Great Britain, Germany and memorials on every continent. Families and relatives will gather, pause and reflect on the sacrifices of their loved ones and the President of the United States will reverently place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. On that quiet hillside, near the graves of a fallen, young President overlooking the vista of our Nation’s Capitol, an entire nation will honor those who willingly gave their lives so we can live free. There is absolutely no doubt or question that the brave men and women of our military sacrifice a great deal, and sometimes everything in service to our country and its citizens. What we must do in return is to ask is to simply ask, “What are we doing to give back and serve our fellow citizens?” Our response to that question is profoundly important.
Some of us give a little back to others, every day, in our jobs. We feed our children and our pets, take them where they need to go and support them financially. Some of us even volunteer our time and money to the causes we believe in. We march, run and walk to raise money for many noble and worthy charities and these charities feed, clothe and cure millions of people on a daily basis. We should be proud of these efforts and we are really making a difference. Yet, so much more remains to be done.
If we really want to honestly answer the question of “What have you done for others?” our reply would be something like, “I have done a little bit, but I could do more.” Pondering the “more” part of our answer is where the hidden gold will lie. Instead, ask yourself, “What more can I do?” Is it supporting a cause with additional money? Perhaps we can volunteer at our school, church, office or neighborhood. The “more” in our lives may mean stretching ourselves to feed the homeless, like my niece, Debbie, provides for the Buffalo Burrito Project. Our “more” certainly be different for each of us. And our “more” will make a difference for someone else, you can count on it.
I believe that if we truly ask ourselves “What more can I do for others, you will discover that it must be an everyday thing. We must find a way, every day of our lives, to give back something in the service of our fellow residents on this planet we call “earth.” It could be as small as giving up our seat on the Metro or allowing another driver to cut in front of us on the freeway. It might be as large as a gift to a long-forgotten relative or a call to a lonely neighbor. We might take a meal to a shut-in, visit a friend in the hospital, or remember an important date in the life of a co-worker. Our effort does not need to be huge, but it well could make a difference in the life of someone else. It is frequently the “little things” that mean the most. And these “little things” often cost nothing, but make a huge impact on the life of someone who really needs us at precisely that moment in time.
So, on that day when we finally face to face with our Maker, wouldn’t it be terrific if we could relate the thousands of instances when we served others? What a glorious moment that would be if we could cite day after day when we selflessly gave of ourselves? If we can, and if we do, I am confident that the Maker of us all will reply, “Well done my good and faithful servant, you may now enter Paradise. Your reward is assured.” How sweet that moment will be. And it all begins with a little bit of service to others.