Chaplain's thought of the day Published July 27, 2010 By Chaplain (Maj.) Craig K. Abee 315th Airlift Wing CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Commentary--Last week I was reminded of my favorite story about Mother Teresa. It involves a western tourist watching her as she stoops to serve a needy person in Calcutta. I can't recall the particular act of mercy in the story: she was washing the sores of leper or helping a homeless person at death or something equally unpleasant. As the tourist watches on, he comments to his companions, "I wouldn't do that for a million dollars." Mother Teresa, over hearing the man says, "neither would I." As we go through our Air Force careers we add bars, strips, leafs and occationaly birds, diamonds and stars to our uniforms. With each addition, it's easy to slip into an attitude of expectation and entitlement. It happens in our civilian jobs and in our lives as well. We are entitled not to have to do the grunt work that others do. But that is not service before self. Just once this weekend stoop to perform an old task that you "use" to have to do. It will help you fit into those britches you might think you have out grown, and it will send a message to those around you - I am willing to do whatever it takes to serve Team Charleston, the Air Force and our Country. Some would add God to the list above. The story ends with Mother Teresa going on to say to the tourist, "I wouldn't do this for $2 million either." "But, you are already doing it" was his reply. Finally, she says to the man that the reason she does it is for God. For people of faith, the Air Forces Core value of 'service before self' is nothing new. We learned it way back in Sunday school when we were children or where ever we learned our faith. But it's also something we have to continue learning and relearning throughout life. Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.