You've served your nation well today

Those were the words CPT Erzwin told me before I left camp today.

At first I found it quite funny (I think he meant it to be), but realised later how powerful those words were. Oh wait. Let me explain what happened first. He needed something from me, so I sent it over to him, and then asked him if there was anything else he needed 'cause I had to leave. So then he told me there was nothing else, and that I've served my nation well today.

It was an unexpected, well-crafted thank you, from a commander who appreciates my help. When was the last time you said a heartfelt "Thank you" to someone who helped you a great deal? Yes, you. Don't look around, there's no one else. Yoooooouuuu. When was the last time?

It wasn't that much of a help (I seriously just sent him something that I could easily access), I admit, but I felt appreciated. And maybe that's what spurs the people in our society nowadays to work hard for their superiors, for the bosses who occasionally reward his/her subordinates to a meal, to an outing, or with gifts. I want to be that kind of person. That kind who appreciates the people who help me, be it huge or small favours. You never know how a small action that expresses your gratitude may go a long way to make someone else feel so much more worthy.

Too often than not we may be too busy or too preoccupied with our own tasks that we forget, or worse still, are deliberately stingy, to say those 2 words. I know I'm sometimes guilty of the former, but never the latter. I'm not saying that we need to do it every single time, just for the sake of doing it. I mean, if it's not sincere, then what's the point?

So go ahead, give the people who deserve it the recognition for their effort.