The True Measure of Greatness

A young student once asked his old teacher, "Teacher,what is the true measure of greatness?" The teacher looked far away into the mountains and gave thefollowing reply:"Some measure greatness in height and weight, but greatpeople are never so tall as when they stoop to talk toa child or bend their knees to help a hurting friend.

Some measure greatness in physical strength, but great people are never so strong as when they shoulder theburden of the downtrodden stranger.

Some measure greatness in terms of financial gain, butthose who show generosity to their family and friends,they are the ones who are truly rich.

Some measure greatness in applause and accolades, butthose who seek opportunity to serve in the quiet placesof the world, theirs is the higher reward.

Some measure greatness in commitment to achieving in material ways, but those who spur others on to reachtheir goals is great indeed.Great people have vision and do not keep the truth tothemselves.

Great people have passion for life and are not ashamed to show it.

 

Great people expect the best from others and give thebest of themselves.

 

Great people know how to work and how to play, how tolaugh and how to cry, how to give and how to receive,how to love and how to be loved.

"There are many people who are by the world calledgreat, but those who bear honor in their hearts, whocan, in the evening hours, lie upon their beds and peacefully close their eyes, knowing that they havedone all that is within their power to live their livesfully and fruitfully, those are truly great people."

The Ice Cream Prayer

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is great and God is Good. Let us thank Him for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

 

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That is what is wrong with this country. Kids today do not even know how to pray. Asking God for Ice Cream! Why, I never!"

 

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart."

 

Then in theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

 

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae, without a word walked over, and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile, he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already."