Success vs. Greatness

Many people in our world make decisions in their lives based on becoming successful. Parents and society make success the primary goal for the next generation. Most of us judge and either accept or reject our peers based on "worldly success," which for most means; a good job that earns lots of money, becoming famous (a household name), getting what we want, and being concerned about what we will receive. Basically, "worldly success" is an all about me attitude!

Dr. Tim Kimmel in his book, Raising Kids for True Greatness gives us another alternative. He is a proponent of raising kids for greatness not success. Dr. Kimmel suggests that true greatness:

• Looks upward, then outward.
• Looks for God's agenda.
• Celebrates altruism.
• Focuses on giving.
• Grieves over the injustices in the world.
• Makes a lasting impact in the world. (XII)

These are the qualities of our great spiritual leaders and our peace-makers. They are the Mother Teresa's among us. They are our neighbors who are behind the scenes feeding the hungry, sewing blankets for the homeless, working for social justice, and becoming the voice for the voiceless.

Our media bombards us with the tragedies in our world, until it is overshadowed by the infidelities and scandalous lives of our "successful." They pull us into the trap of worldly success as they bypass the millions of everyday great people who truly make a difference in our neighborhoods, communities, and in our world.

I encourage you to evaluate your life, is it one focused solely on worldly success or is it a life destine for greatness.

Don't be mistaken, there is nothing wrong with financial success and being proud of one's accomplishments. In fact, spiritually it is our heritage to live a life of abundance. It is when that success becomes paramount in our lives and the basic needs of those around us go unnoticed and unmet. We become so self-centered, we forget we are here to serve.

© 2010 by Becky Benes
www.onenessoflife.com

A Burden Shared

Have you noticed that a burden shared is halved; yet a joy shared is doubled.

We are called to help one another and lift their burdens. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2. This is our purpose in life. Most people wonder aimlessly seeking their God given purpose. They take courses, participate in retreats, spend hours in counseling, all seeking "their true purpose."

I suggest that you look around your life at this moment in time and ask yourself, "Who do I know who needs some help?" An elderly neighbor, a friend, a stranger in line at the store, a newspaper salesperson, a child, a teacher. . . . Reach out and lend a hand, let your hand be the hand of God, serving another.

When you do this, you will be fulfilled, your purpose will be found, you will find joy. Joy is in the giving and in the sharing of burdens.

© 2010 by Becky Benes
www.onenessoflife.com

Greater Love

John 15:13 states, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I have grappled with this verse for years.

We use this verse to honor those whom have died in war, and those whom have sacrificed their life to save another. However, for me, I need it to make sense to the average person like me.

Through contemplation, I find that a greater love is when I lay down or put aside my agenda, my plan, my idea, (the list could be endless), to allow another their way, or to serve another in their time of need.

Basically, when I move from being self-absorbed to being other-centered. My heart actually sings when I set aside my wants and desires in order to serve another. Does this happen regularly, I wish I could say, "Yes." However, when it does, the result is happiness, true joy and true love.

© 2010 by Becky Benes
www.onenessoflife.com

Feeding the Hungry

Today I was blessed to spend the day feeding the hungry with the Peace Ambassadors. In all faith traditions, we are called to feed the hungry.

Most of us think this to be the obvious, feeding those without food. But I believe there are those among us who are spiritually hungry or actually starving.

Volunteering and reaching out to those in need is not only feeding the physically hungry but its feeding all those who are spiritually hungry.

The joy experienced at the soup kitchen today was phenomenal. As we laughed, cooked, served, washed dishes, we smiled, sang and danced. Our spirits and hearts were filled to overflowing. This is the magic of love, this is the magic of service to others. Those who serve are truly those being served.

© 2010 by Becky Benes
www.onenessoflife.com