Today in the United States we celebrate our independence as a nation. We have much to be grateful for and many millions of people through the generations have served our country. Following is a guest post by Jay Hellwig who served Dad for several years as his personal travel assistant. As we give thanks today for our great nation, say a prayer for those in our military and for their families. Enjoy this special message from Jay.
"I had the priceless opportunity to travel with Zig Ziglar all over the nation. I learned many things from my relationship with this great man, but one of the most prolific and valuable life lessons he taught me was to have a heart of gratitude.
“One way that gratitude was demonstrated in Zig’s life occurred when he saw military personnel. Every time we would see a service person in uniform he would stop, shake their hand, and say in his booming Southern drawl, ‘Thank you for your service.’ It didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing, he would always take the time to thank them. This practice was especially evident in airports. As a busy hub for both Mr. Ziglar and soldiers to get to their many destinations, their destinies would often cross paths in the congested concourses, terminal aisles, and crowded gates. As we walked through security, waited in restaurant lines, even walked close to the restroom – no matter where, or when – Mr. Ziglar would stop and stick out that faithful hand and thank those who served our great nation. Even if we were close to being late for a flight (which was rare – he was a punctual man), he stopped, looked countless men and women in their eyes, and thanked them for protecting our freedom!
“After watching Mr. Ziglar do this dozens and dozens -- if nothundreds -- of times, I began implementing it into my own life.He was so genuine as he spoke to them. He didn’t reach outbecause he had to, but because gratitude was in his heart. It was who he was. Serving as Mr. Ziglar’s personal assistant was a great honor, and it was almost impossible to be around him and not be changed. I watched his sincere approach togratitude and saw how it made him even greater. I decided Iwould work on the gratitude in my heart. I started by thankingsoldiers every time I saw them.
“A time soon came when I was taking my son to see my familyin Georgia on a special trip for his third birthday. It was a greatday, and he was quite excited as this was the first time we hadflown together without his mama – just dad and son. As wemaneuvered through the airport, holding hands, I went aboutmodeling my new Zig-inspired habit of greeting those in uniform, ‘Thank you for your service.’ And so it went – every time we saw one in uniform, my gratitude was released. I thought to myself,‘There are a lot of soldiers today at the airport!’ My son soonbegan with a string of endless questions only a three-year-oldcan ask: ‘Why are you talking to so many people? Why are westopping so much? Why are you thanking all these people?!’Soon I stopped to explain the sacrifice of these heroes and our military families who endure great hardship for the liberty of our nation.
“Since I was traveling with a young child, we were able toboard the plane first and we had seats fairly close to the front of the plane. I was sitting next to the window and my son was sitting in the aisle seat. Actually, he was standing up in the seat, greeting the passengers with a smile as they entered. Soon a gentleman in his uniform walked in. As he passed, my three-year-old, with his sweet young voice, looked up at him with his thick tongue elocution and declared, ‘Thank you for your service!’ The soldier, gray haired, a bit weathered and sure to have seen several tours of duty – our hero – stopped. He turned around, looked at my son, and pointed his finger directly at Evan, ‘And you’re the reason I do it.’
“Then he did what could only be written in the best ofHollywood’s movie scripts: he ripped off a badge on his shoulder -- that proud Army emblem – and he handed it to my young son. My bright-eyed boy looked up at him and everyone on the plane started clapping. It was a powerful moment that transformed the atmosphere in that plane. As I was seated, watching this exchange occur, I knew it was a moment of greatness. One of those moments we would remember forever.I hugged my boy, and told him how proud of him I was for his grateful heart.
“Today, as I miss my dear mentor, I’m reminded how his rich lessons, lessons he lived out loud every day, now live on. Because of Mr. Ziglar’s heart of gratitude, I was able to incorporate this practice into my life, impacting my children. I am grateful for Mr. Ziglar and his great love for God, family, and his country!
“Mr. Ziglar, Thank YOU for your Service!!!”
With gratitude, Jay Hellwig.
I hope you enjoyed this special memory from Jay.
I cry every time I read it.
You are Born To Win, so go ahead and Live To Win!
Tom Ziglar