On Greatness

Wars not make one great.

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.

Ben is a great man.

What is greatness? The death of a world-changer brings with it the oft-uttered phrase “The world has lost a great man.” But what does that mean? This word, this little overused and underappreciated word. What does it mean?

Some would have us believe that greatness is that which causes us to rise above the madding crowd, to soar above the earthly tangle, to achieve. Greatness is one of the words that we see on motivational posters with a picture of a runner at sunset or a raging waterfall, along with a tired clichéd phrase about reaching the stars. Perhaps there is something to be said for that. A man who has achieved greatness, ah yes, perhaps he has reached the stars. If the world knows your name, if people oceans away know who you are, if halfway across the globe your death captures headlines, you may indeed be great.

And yet…

We think of greatness in men who lead armies or transform technology. I submit to you another definition of greatness. The man who is faithful to his wife. The man who toils to earn a paycheck to provide for his family. The man who loves his children without reservation. The man who protects his daughter. The man who guides his son. The man who does not betray a confidence. The man who stays true to his friends. The man who acts justly, who loves mercy, who walks humbly with his God.

My father is great man.

Look around you. There is greatness everywhere.