20 Years Later… A Story of Gratitude and Patience!
I recently read a story about a Jewish immigrant named Irving Berlin. He came to the US from Russia and loved his country and freedom. While he was serving in WWI, he wrote a song as a prayer for the country during this difficult time of war. He didn’t publish the song at that time, but tucked it away for 20 years… Then in 1938, singer Kate Smith asked him to write a song for her radio show for Armistice Day – a day dedicated to world peace. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed bill to change the name to Veterans Day.
Irving knew that it was time to bring out the song he had already written because Hitler was on the rise in Germany and the country needed prayer. The song was called “God Bless America.”
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above,
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
As I think about this story…
I am thankful for our Veterans. Thankful for all of the men and women serving and that have served in our armed forces… Thankful everyday – and twice as much on Veterans Day.
I am thankful for Patience. Sometimes, it seems like the time will never happen, but if we will just focus on serving others each day, and be patient – good things will happen for us in any role. Irving Berlin waited patiently for 20 years… the time was right!
I am thankful for Gratitude – and how grateful I am to live and work in this great country with the freedom to become the person I want to be. I am grateful for my family and friends that have helped shape my life and show me how to serve others with excellence.
What would you like to share with others? I want to encourage you to write it down and put it in your pocket. Be thankful, be patience and live in gratitude. There will be a time when someone will ask you to share your gifts and the time will be just right!
"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy
Share a note of gratitude today with a colleague, a veteran, a family member, or a friend. They will always remember the moment – and so will you!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.