Reflections: Serving like Jesus

During Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, I am always inspired by the number of veterans I see serving other veterans. From staffing the welcome booth at the Veteran Village to coordinating reunions to working tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate one of the nation’s best Veterans Day parades, plus much more I probably don’t know about, they prove that “esprit de corps” was not something to be laid aside after leaving active duty, but a lifestyle to be carried forward. 

This approach to life is evident not just in November, but year-round in our local veteran groups and many others across the nation. Hosting Veterans Appreciation Week to help connect other veterans to resources, serving as honor guards for military funerals, placing wreaths at cemeteries, volunteering at the Memorial Garden, and offering training to identify and help people at risk for suicide, are just a few of the ways veterans are actively serving our local communities. 

A lifestyle of service was evident in my dad, who served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Over the years, he served our family by working hard at farming and at a factory job to provide shelter and groceries, even while dealing with his own medical challenge. He contributed financially when he heard of other veterans in need or experiencing a medical issue. When our small local church needed a building repair, Dad was right there with his tools; later on, at a larger church, he led the prayer chain ministry. He took time to build relationships with my cousins and my sister’s friends before and after their service in Vietnam. Even during his last weeks and days on this earth, he found purpose in praying for other people when I typed him a list of requests. 

For Dad and many others, military service has intersected with helping solidify their faith even during tough times. “Semper Fidelis” was more than a motto; it became a challenge for how to live, being faithful to God and in serving others because that’s what Jesus taught. 

Before Jesus’ crucifixion, he modeled servanthood by washing the feet of his disciples, including the one He already knew would betray him (John 13). When his disciples got into an argument about who should sit by Jesus in his future Kingdom, two of them even getting their mom in on the request, Jesus told them, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, NIV). 

Our veterans have seen that principle in action, and many others sacrificed their lives for it. This week, let’s remember to thank our veterans who served, and who continue to serve, but let’s also be inspired by their service to look for opportunities to serve like Jesus did.