OK, so I’ll admit it.
The last blog post was a bit of a set up. As I finished my reading of Mr. Jordan’s “Make it Plain” and I wondered where the greatness had gone, I also believed that I had an answer to my question.
Several of you responded passionately to my post with words of concern, encouragement and contemplation. I appreciate it. After all, I think that the idea of a blog is to encourage dialogue.Your comments reminded me that, yes, this is something that we should be concerned about. But also, that greatness begins at home. You also said that we are all “pressing towards the mark” and striving to be the example that God would have us to be. I agree.
I also considered that the notion of greatness is generally used in a historical context – rather than a contemporary one. Whether used in sports, the arts, business, social justice or any other context, someone is generally considered great because of their performance: What was your contribution? What were your results? What did you achieve? Did you help somebody as you passed along? What difference did you make?
In most cases, anyone that we consider to be great merely set out to make the most of their circumstance or gift. Greatness wasn’t the explicit goal. Solving a problem, overcoming an obstacle or yielding completely to a calling was. So then, perhaps these characteristics among our friends, neighbors and co-workers can help us to identify what could be called “contemporary greatness.”
In my case it wasn’t hard for me to identify the many uncles, aunts, misses and misters who make consistent appearances in the lives of my children, and who will, for them, represent greatness. Aunts Emily and Motsy and Uncle Freddie provide Henry and Harrison with confidence in their intellect through challenging discourse and an unmistakable investment of time and treasure. Ms. Stroman identified the boys’ musical gifts, which Mom and Dad might have missed. And, of course, Uncle Mark, Uncle Drake, Uncle Reggie, and Uncle Jim along with Auntie Audra and Aunt Cheryl and the rest of their parents’ good friends, each make their day whenever they come to town or come over for dinner.
In time, these contemporary family members, educators, business people and public servants will become the historical greats that inspire my boys to do their best to grow tall enough to wear the crown that has been placed above their heads.
What contemporary greats are having an impact on the children in your life?