True 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 the following reply:

. photo: Spring Creek, PA (2008)

Some measure greatness in height and weight, but a great man is never so tall as when he stoops to talk to a child or bends his knee to help a hurting friend.

Some measure greatness in physical strength, but a great man is never so strong as when he shoulders the burden of the downtrodden stranger.

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Some measure greatness in terms of financial gain, but a man who shows generosity to his family and friends, he is the one who is truly rich.

photo: gabbage collectors, State College (2008)

Some measure greatness in applause and accolades, but a man who seeks opportunity to serve in the quiet places of the world, his is the higher reward. Some measure greatness in commitment to achieving in material ways, but a man who spurs others on to reach their goals is great indeed.

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A great man has vision and does not keep the truth to himself.

A great man has passion for life and is not ashamed to show it.

A great man expects the best from others and gives the best of himself. A great man knows how to work and how to play, how to laugh and how to cry, how to give and how to receive, how to love and how to be loved.

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There are many men who are by the world standard called "great", but a man who bears honor in his heart, who can, in the evening hours, lie upon his bed and peacefully close his eyes, knowing that he has done all that is within his power to live his life fully and fruitfully, that is truly a great man.

Randall S. Weeks