A Virtue That Grounds Us
As we enter the final stretch of the year, life naturally slows just enough for us to take stock. Veterans Day has passed, and Thanksgiving is on the horizon —two moments that invite us to pause and consider what truly matters.
Reflecting on the past isn’t simply a nod to history; it’s a way of shaping who we are today and who we intend to become. George Santayana warned, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Scripture echoes the same truth in Deuteronomy 32:7: “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.” Looking back with intention is a moral discipline—an act that forms wisdom, gratitude, humility, and growth.
Veterans Day and the Weight of Perspective
On Veterans Day, we honor those who have served. But gratitude becomes deeper when we also reflect on what they endured, why they served, and what their service secured. Looking honestly at sacrifice widens our perspective: it teaches us to see the cost of freedom, the beauty of duty, and the fragility of peace.
For our family, military service is woven into our story—not for recognition, but from a place of grateful stewardship. The freedoms we enjoy were not accidental. A perspective shaped by history keeps that truth alive.
Returning to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
More than forty years ago, I had the solemn privilege of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. It was more than an assignment; it was a vow to honor those whose names are lost to us but known to God.
Each measured step carried meaning—the sacrifices of the fallen and the enduring values for which these warriors laid down their lives: faith, unity, courage, and freedom. The Tomb is guarded not merely for protection, but to proclaim a message: we must never lose sight of what was given.
This past Veterans Day weekend, I returned for a Tomb Guard reunion. Walking those familiar grounds again, laying roses at the Tomb, and reconnecting with the men I stood beside decades ago—it moved me in ways I didn’t expect. The quiet dignity of Arlington, the rustling leaves, and the endless rows of white markers spoke clearly: remembrance is a duty shared by all who live in the shadow of such sacrifice.
Gratitude Begins With Looking Back
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s worth asking: What truly fills my heart with gratitude—and why? Gratitude doesn’t begin with a table spread of food; it begins when we pause long enough to see how grace has woven its way through both blessings and challenges.
When we lose sight of our story, entitlement takes root. When we reflect on it, humility grows—and humility is the soil where true gratitude flourishes.
Family Stories That Shape the Future
In our home, we share stories from generations past—not to live in yesterday, but to stay anchored in the values that have carried us through. Faith, duty, integrity, and love of country are threads woven through our family’s legacy. My father, my wife Joanne, my brother, and I all served our country in different capacities but with the same heart. Today, my daughters and their husbands carry those values forward in their own homes.
So, what about you? What stories are you handing down? What values do you want to see endure? Reflecting on our legacy isn’t about looking backward—it’s about giving the future something strong to stand on.
Leading With a Rooted Heart
Leadership—whether in business, family, or community—isn’t only about vision. It’s about grounding. Leaders who understand where they came from lead with perspective, humility, and purpose. They draw from history, from mentors, from sacrifices made long before they arrived. That rootedness creates steadiness, clarity, and wisdom.
Putting Reflection Into Practice
Here are a few simple ways to cultivate a rhythm of meaningful reflection:
- Share a story: Around the Thanksgiving table or at work, offer a story of service, sacrifice, or growth.
- Write it down: Journaling creates a legacy that outlives us.
- Honor someone tangibly: A note, a visit, or a thoughtful gesture can revive forgotten encouragement.
- Teach the next generation: Invite your children or grandchildren into the stories that shaped you.
- Build a rhythm of reflection: Small, regular pauses can re-center your spirit and sharpen your purpose.
A Final Thought
In a world obsessed with speed, taking time to reflect is a countercultural act. It grounds us in truth, strengthens our gratitude, and reconnects us with the values that define us. As we move through November, take a moment to look at the people, the sacrifices, and the grace that have brought you to this point.
May your reflections fill your heart with gratitude—and may your leadership echo the legacy you’ve inherited.
Look back with purpose. Lead forward with gratitude.
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