Be great

“You become great by doing small things in a great way.” _Zig Ziglar, You Can Reach the Top

One of the most memorable moments of my life happened on an early Sunday afternoon in a restaurant in Greenville, SC. I had taken my family to lunch after church and we happened upon an acquaintance of mine.

I introduced my family to the man and he asked my son, Lee (age 6-7) who his hero was. Without any hesitation my son replied, “My dad.”  Honestly, I was surprised—pleasantly surprised.  

I’m not sure my “hero-ness” survived through my son’s teenage years, but like Mary remembering when the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus, I have always treasured that moment in my heart.

The point of this little walk down memory lane is this: Remember, most “great people” are not famous—that’s not the point. Never confuse greatness with notoriety or popularity, neither with talent or skill.

True greatness never comes because of your declaration about yourself; greatness is a designation given, bestowed upon by others. Greatness comes because you have made a great difference in someone’s life.

Remember, the goal is not to do things in order to achieve greatness, the goal is to be great to someone.

• The ONE THING for today: True heroes and true greatness is rare today. Maybe it has always been…but this I know, someone needs you to be great for them.  Whether it is a child, your neighbor, a shut-in, a co-worker—whomever, be great for them.  That is where you find joy and fulfillment in life and that is where you’ll make the biggest difference. 

Matthew 20:26 (NKJV)

…whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.