Valor

Webster defines Valor as "strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery". Yesterday Cody, his truck company, and two other truck companies received medals of Valor from the City for their bravery at the propane fire a couple of months ago. (see blog history for the story).

I have been thinking a lot about the word "valor". In my mind it has a place with antiquated words like chivalry, gentleness, purity, and other words that seem to belong in medieval times that we do not see carried out that often. Why have things changed? Have they?

Sometimes I think we are too busy to look for subtle good deeds. The quiet small acts of people just doing their jobs do not grab our attention like the loud attention seekers (like me) who love praise and find ways to demand it with all of our actions.

Yes. Cody fighting a fire and risking his life to save and help others, is WAY more than a subtle good deed. I love Cody because in his mind, he was not showing valor or bravery, he was just doing his job to the best of his ability. After the ceremony, I asked him what he was thinking and his comment was this, "You know, sometimes, it is nice to get praise for just doing your job well." In this busy world, we do not always recognize a job well done and if we do, we rarely comment on it.

So this week, say something nice to someone who is just doing their job to the best of their ability. Look for acts of bravery, valor, gentleness, and chivalry and recognize them.

And finally...WAY TO GO CODY! I am so proud of you! :)