Gold star joy is what I see all the time.

I’ve written about it before–using my finger to trace the star on someone’s sleeve.

But then a friend gave me a roll of gold star stickers. “You need the real thing,” she laughed.

So, I carry them in my purse, and when there’s time, I hand them out.

The reactions have been totally fun.

Totally fun for me–seeing grown men accept a gold star and then turn into second graders!

“I can hardly wait!” one man laughed, stretching out his arm for ease in adding the star.

“My wife is going to love this!” another man said with a smile.

I was so impressed by the sermon preached by a Seattle pastor that I gave him three stars:

He didn’t know who I was, but he laughed when I stuck on the stars. “Finally! More than the kids bring home.”

They’ve all been gracious in accepting their stars with a nod.

They also can’t hide their smiles–so it’s fun for me.

I’ve been surprised when eyes suddenly fill with tears. “Thank you,” one woman whispered. “Someone sees.”

I stood straighter. “Yes. Thank you for your service.” (I may or may not have saluted her).

A hurried nod, a glance at her shoulder, and she was off.

I felt humbled by that exchange.

(Here’s your reminder: watch for people who need encouragement and give it to them!)

On a recent speaking trip, I got carried away and handed them out willy-nilly. So many women laughed when I gave them a gold star.

After shaking hands with several “mothers of three sons,” I gave them stars, acknowledging their participation in the unofficial club. (We then discussed how to feed teenage boys.)

When you’re feeding growing boys, gold star joy comes from simply having enough food! (Bonus if there’s leftovers).

One man preened at his wife, “I got a gold star. Where’s yours?”

I gave him a long look and stuck a star on her arm. “In honor of your marriage.”

While I’m having fun handing out gold stars, I also need to remember the Gold Star Mothers.

The plaque, located in Ocala, Florida, explains why:

Gold Star Mothers Inc. was formed in 1928 and chartered by Congress in 1984.

In WWI a custom evolved to display red and white banners with a blue star for each living member of a family serving in the US armed forces.

A gold star was displayed on the banner to indicate service members who lost their lives in the service and sacrifice of mothers for our country.

The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother’s Day.

My gold star joy seems so tiny against these families’ sacrifice.

But, in the same way as above, those stars honor individuals.

Sure, I hand them out for good behavior or acts.

But really, the point is to make people feel like they’ve been seen.

And to make them laugh.

You don’t actually need to have stars.

I often simply trace a star on their arm.

It still makes people smile, knowing they’ve been seen.

Go on! Hand them/trace them out!

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