Greatness Is Not Always So Obvious, But It Makes the Difference!

There are times in our lives when an incident takes place that causes us to reflect and such an incident occurred in my life yesterday. A great friend of mine is very ill and is entering the last phases of what has been a torrid battle with a life threatening illness. I am deeply sad, and, in truth, somewhat fearful of getting the inevitable call that will tell me that his battle is over.

Why am I fearful? Because this man has greatly influenced me in many different ways and has been a wonderful source of inspiration, learning and counsel. He has always been there when I needed him, and he has always cared!

This man inspires me and, in my mind, is truly a great man! Is he well known? Is he famous? A worldwide or international "name"? The answer is no! But he is still great. He cares for people, he will always be there for you, he is interested in you, he will go out of his way for you, he is learned, he is challenging, and he will ask you the difficult question that no one else will.

He will also tell you off for not living up to the standards he expects of you. He will quickly point out when your actions don't match your words. He is not afraid to stand up to you - for your benefit!
Is he perfect? Not by a long way - he can be garrulous and argumentative; patience would not be a strong point. But he is great because he seeks to grow every day, and he wants you to do so as well, and is not afraid to confront you when he believes you are not being the best you can be.

This is a great man - he has been great in so many lives that I know, and a greater epitaph cannot be written.