On Serving One's Country

When I was 18, having just returned from a year in Brazil (on exchange), my father asked me what I thought I wanted to do with my life. It was a serious question posed as we embarked on a long road trip to the cottage.  I told him that I didn't exactly know at that point, but the one thing I did know is that I wanted to do something that mattered, something that allowed me to be of service. Dad was amused because that was the same answer he had given his father at about the same age.

After a few years of thinking I would be a missionary in some far off land, I ended up joining the Canadian Government. And after almost 30 years of public service, I can say that much of what I have done mattered - some things just to me, and some things more broadly. And, I can say that the majority of the people I have worked with were from the same mindset: they were public servants because of their desire to serve the country.

My father was in the Canadian Air Force, which he joined after a short stint in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. While he initially wanted to be a pilot, at the end of the day he became an air traffic controller. I am sure you can see the theme:  service to his country.  He was also very geared to service to his fellow man and community and before he died in 1991 (at the young age of 59), he had received the Order of St. John for his humanitarian work in the community (in addition to his Order of Military Merit for exemplary service to the Canadian Military).

Recently, a family member sent me this link: Military Wives Choir .  Which is why, of course, I started thinking about my father and service in general.  It occurs to me that it is not just the men and women in uniform that serve their country, but the spouses they leave behind. Unless you have been either, it is really very hard to understand what courage it takes - for both parties.

I know that what I do at work each day is quite minor compared to the sacrifices and courage of our soldiers, sailors and airmen - and their families. It is something, however.

I think we all should pause and reflect on various degrees of service that we each can do, both big and small.  And we would all do well to start our day thinking:  How can I serve my fellow man today?  How can I serve this planet?