It is said that if you are given a compliment that you need to take it with gratitude, rather than disagreeing with the complement. The reason is that you will get plenty of criticisms. This is true with any honor, recognition or award you might receive -- you need to be grateful.

Most likely you have heard or have read the Tuesday edition of the Nevada Daily Mail that last week I received one of the biggest honors I have received in my lifetime. I thought that after receiving something of this type that I need to share some of my thoughts with you. In many ways I remain speechless. I do not mean to be boastful and any honor that I might receive is to the glory of God.

A few months ago, I was attending a meeting where state representative Barney Fisher was giving the program. During the meeting he announced that he had nominated me for the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award. I was surprised at this announcement and was humbled. Wow! Being nominated for the honor was great and was a special recognition. I thought that I would not be receiving the award that the nomination was great.

A few days later, Barney called me and said that I had been chosen for the award. He was not sure at the time how it would be presented to me, but the presentation would probably take place in Jefferson City sometime after the first of the year.

Since that time, thoughts have been given to this special recognition. There are a great number of older Missourians providing numerous acts of service. It happens that I was singled out to be nominated and to receive the award for the quarter. There have been 10 others who have received this award in Missouri.

Just think of the large number of seniors who are doing great things in their service. I could name several.

They are doing a number of things, such as volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or working with the Community Council on the Performing Arts, the historical society and the hospital auxiliary. I know individuals who are on the State 4-H Foundation, and these board members are rendering a great service to 4-H and in many other ways within their communities and state. There are other foundation boards made up with similar people -- many are seniors. The list can go on with the realization that seniors are doing many acts of service.

Lt. Gov. Peter D. Kinder is the official senior advocate of the state of Missouri. The age group that is considered as senior makes up a large portion of the population in Missouri. Many of our senior citizens are faced with great challenges. There are many things for an advocate for seniors to do. Giving recognition is one of them.

One of the things that I emphasized during in my career in working with 4-H and youth was to give youth recognition -- it is a basic need for youth. Usually they are going to get recognition one way or the other. It is best if it is positive recognition. There is a certain need for recognition among our older citizens as well, although I will grant that too much recognition may not be healthy.

Last week I decided to attend the chamber meeting on Friday. A reservation was not called in until Thursday afternoon and I wondered if I could still get a reservation. A few minutes before the luncheon, I was busy and could not get away. Son Brent called and said, as he often does, "What are you doing?"

I told him that I was going to the chamber of commerce meeting. His reply was that I did not have much time. I said that I would be late but would be there.

When I got to the meeting and registered, I went down the hall before going into the meeting, then I entered the room where the meeting was held. Brent and Sherri were standing with their video cameras running and I saw other members of my family. I backed off and was ready to leave. When I looked down I was standing next to where Barney and Mary Fisher were sitting. I realized that something was fishy. I assure you, I was surprised.

At a point in the meeting, Barney said, "Leonard, front and center."

It is an honor to receive the award and it was also an honor to have the recognition to be presented with it by our state representative. It is special to receive the award in a group of leaders from the community. He read the declaration for the award. There were seven "whereas" statements in the declaration. I stood there and wondered if he was talking about me. The declaration is signed by Kinder.

I feel that I am a part of a team and the recognition is given to the team and I am the one accepting it. The team is composed of a great many wonderful people whom I have worked with or associated with during the years. Appreciation is extended to each person who has given me support and encouragement.

Thanks go to Kinder for providing this recognition, to Barney for the nomination and to all of the others who gave support to help with the nomination.

A purpose in life is to be of service to others. I hope that I have done that and I will be of further service in some manner. There remains much to do in life for the benefit of family and the community.

Yes, receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service award by the manner and the time it was presented, I was caught by surprise.