True defintions of greatness

What makes someone great? I suppose we could all come up with different definitions. And in reality, a the definition of a truly great person is layered. It comes in different forms with different dimensions.

One layer of a great person is the ability to focus on others. To do something each day without expecting anything in return.

I was a UCLA basketball fan when I was growing up, and I don't know of a better coach than John Wooden. It wasn't just the x's and o's, it was his ability to lead and influence young men.

He once said, "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

That leads us to the story told of a former athlete that was coming back on a plane from Rio. This ex-athlete had come down for a few days of festivity, but he was struck by all the poverty he encountered. Especially the groups of homeless children who beg on the streets during the day, and sleep in the doorways of buildings at night, huddled together on strips of cardboard.

The man said that he and his buddies got an idea: They rounded up a few kids and took them to a pizza place -- the buffet type that keeps bringing food to your table. He said these half-dozen boys had never seen anything like it: the food kept coming and they kept eating. The kids had a blast, and so did he and his friends. And he was glad to know that those young men slept on a full-stomach that night. The man said, "The whole thing cost less than $50 -- and it’s the best money I spent in Brazil."

Do you realize how many chances you'll have today (and tomorrow) to obtain that kind of greatness? You can get a jump-start on it right now, maybe by walking in the next room or picking up the telephone. Or maybe you can take someone out to lunch or give an employee the day off or surprise someone with a special gift or ... if you put your mind to it, you'll be amazed at the possibilities.

Jesus said, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they can't repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14)

Good thoughts.