•••••Find Your Greatness•••••
What I am about to share with you is a bit personal. It comes from words that I shared with a wonderful young man with whom I am very close and he allowed me to share it with you. I wanted to impart some advice as he began his independent adulthood. Yet this advice is equally beneficial anyone from from ten to one hundred seeking a successful life. And so, I offer these same words to all of you...
As I consider now what advice I might offer you, I think back to my own youth and wonder what sage words I could have said to myself then. I think this is the best guidance that I can give you: Find your greatness. I believe that each one of us has the seeds of greatness within us. We all have talents and abilities that are unique to us. These are things that we can do well and we can place our own unique mark upon them.
A great cook may cook the same meals that countless other cooks create but no one else on the planet can cook those same foods the exact same way that he or she could. Our great cook will add his own exclusive character to his chosen work. And when a great chef works his labour will be easy, not because the effort is not great but because they know in their heart and in their mind that what they are doing is the essence of their greatness. They will be fueled by purpose and understanding.
That should be your quest. Find your own unique greatness. Find the work that is not work. Find your passion. Find the joy in this challenging arduous journey. Find the area where you can excel and bring your distinct value to the world. That will be your gift of gratitude in return for the incredible life that you have been given.
Do not be deceived; greatness can be found everywhere. It is not solely the domain of the rich, learned, mighty or powerful. If anything, those people will find their greatness hindered by the myriad distractions of their stations in life. Know this: there is indeed greatness amongst even the very least of our society. Rich, poor, old, young, working or retired... all can reach their own greatness.
In the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’ the character Eric Liddell makes a profound statement about greatness:
"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
Eric’s life was more than just running. He had a profession and a calling that he likely pursued with the same enthusiasm. Yet he knew that he was skillful at running. This was an important part of his unique greatness. When he followed this path with heart he felt the pleasure of his Creator. He knew in both his spirit and mind that he was doing what he should be doing.
Eric had likely wrestled with doubts and uncertainty. He may even have believed himself unworthy and unable. In the end, life gave him enough clear evidence to assure him that this was the right direction for him to follow. He understood that this was part of his service to God.
Thus I again repeat my encouragement that you find your greatness. Don’t ever give up. Do not settle. Don’t let others tell you what is great and what is not. Discover this for yourself. Follow the paths of truth and wisdom to where they lead. Overcome your fears and press on. Remember that your greatest enemy is in the mirror and they whisper lies in your ear when you are at your weakest. Be brave and strong and true. Learn who you are and who you are not. It will not be easy. It will be worth it. Believe in yourself and know that greatness awaits you.
©2017 S.D.Wilson
