It happens without any effort (or permission) on my part.

Every time I thank a veteran for their service, my emotions think they need to be involved.

I’m not sure why.  It may be because my Dad served in Vietnam.  It may be because I feel so deeply about anyone voluntarily signing up to (potentially) lay down their life to protect mine.

Whatever the reason, it always happens. A lump wells up in my throat, my voice shakes and my eyes get misty.

However, my emotional display was elevated to a whole new level recently when I came face to face with a former Navy Seal.

I had just finished listening to this man’s hour-long breakout session during a leadership conference.  His presentation overflowed with fascinating tales and incredible pictures from his Navy Seal days. 

Afterwards, I stood in a small book-signing line to meet him.

My mind was working to give my emotions a stabilizing pep-talk as my internal dialogue went something like this: “Now when you meet him, just look him in the eye, shake his hand, and tell him thank you.  Hold it together, Kristen…there’s no need to cry…”

My turn arrived. I walked up to him, looked him squarely in the eyes, firmly shook his hand…and started to fall apart.

My voice quivered, eroded, and finally collapsed into broken words as I desperately tried to convey my thanks for his military service while choking back tears.

He got up from his seat, came around the book-signing table, and asked me a question, “Can I give you a hug?”

That did it.  The ripcord had been pulled and I was freefalling into a complete ugly cry as I hugged this Navy Seal I’d never met before.

While countless people around us turned to see what the commotion was about, this man looked at me and used this awkward moment to do something I didn’t see coming.

He thanked me for caring.

Care – it’s the very thread that holds the fabric of humanity together, isn’t it? 

It’s why people enlist in the military.

It’s why parents lose sleep.

It’s why doctors and nurses cry when their shift is over.

It’s why pastors answer that late-night phone call.

It’s why Jesus went to the cross.

Care drives us to love, to serve, and to lay down our lives for others. (John 15:13)

As we honor our veterans this week, I’d like to thank those who have served – past and present.  Thank you for your willingness to serve, protect, and defend our country, it’s people, and the liberties we enjoy.

Thank you for caring.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!