The things that matter
I shared a story today of the greatest moment in my military career. I think many would assume it was the day I was promoted to Brigadier General or one of the times that I took command of a unit, but although all of those days were monumental and amazing, those were not the best moment.
My best moment happened at an event where I was focused on one of my daughters opening the ceremony by singing the National Anthem. It was the first time either of the twins attended a military ball with us and I knew it would be even more special to see her stand in front of the full room, overcoming any fear and anxiety, and sing the words that have such special meaning to us.
That moment, although special and a proud moment for a mom, was not the greatest moment in my military career. That happened later that evening. We have awards in the military that are specific for the branch which you serve. My branch is the Engineer branch and the award that represents the branch is the DeFleury. There are very clear guidelines on who can receive which level of the award from Steel all the way to Gold. I proudly wore my Bronze DeFleury whenever I wore my military dress uniform and I only personally knew of one silver and one gold in my over 25 year career. Every time I put my Bronze DeFleury on, I felt a connection with all those that serve in my same branch.
As the senior Engineer officer in the state, I get to present the DeFleury Medal to those boarded and selected. It’s a special moment when you hear your name called out and move to the head table in front of the room and the medal is placed over your head in front of all those you serve with and your family. It’s my favorite part of the military ball (outside of hearing my daughter sing the anthem!)
At the conclusion of all the awards, I sat down waiting for the closing of the event. I heard the hosting Commander call me back up and sat there a little confused before I returned toward the podium. Somehow, this entire group to the right and left of me at the head table and many more had kept quite the secret. My husband went to the podium and proceeded to share the impact I have had on the Engineer Regiment throughout my career…and then, the moment happened. He asked for anyone that I had impacted, or spoken to, or mentored, or encouraged to please stand. To my surprise, almost the entire room stood. As I looked around, I saw every encounter, every word of encouragement, every challenge to do better than they believed they could because I believed in them, I saw our Regiment. As my husband placed that Silver DeFleury around my neck, I knew that I would look back on this night, this moment, as that thing that mattered most.
It’s not about the titles, it’s not about the awards or the ribbons, it wasn’t about the silver medal around my neck….it was about every one of them that stood in that room and how blessed I was to have my girls there to witness it all.
You may never know the impact of a kind gesture, a word of encouragement, or a conversation that you have forgotten years ago. In that moment, I knew, and I am forever thankful.
I have previously shared that in our home, I always say Lead With Love (LWL)- this is what happens when we do. God commands us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34, NIV). That’s what matters-the titles, the money, the awards-it all loses its value when you are standing alone.
Today, I pray that you focus on what matters. I pray that if you are someone that feels overlooked because you don’t have the titles and the awards or the money, that you look at the things you do have. Look around that room and see what matters most. Lead with Love!
