The Secret of Attaining Greatness

The Secret of Attaining Greatness

What is the secret of attaining greatness I our life? We all desire to become great, to attain high positions. Great goals and aspirations can lead a person to success.

Once the disciples of Jesus Christ argued among themselves as to who was the greatest of them. Do you know what Jesus told them? ‘Whoever wants to be first must place himself the last of all’. Greatness does not lie in power, position or wealth but in one’s character and behavior.
I am reminded of a little girl Vimala who in a dream saw herself in a shop, with God at the counter. She was surprised at this and wanted to know what all things were sold there. God told her that whatever she desired was available there. Then Vimala said, “I want to have love, joy, knowledge, courage and strength”. Then God answered, “Child! I don’t sell fruits here. I sell only seeds. But if you plant these seeds, they will grow into big plants and trees yielding useful fruits. I can give you the seeds, but it is your duty to sow them and tend the plants and trees, which will yield fruits of good quality. You must share them with others.”

It is true that we should have role models to guide us. But whom do we consider as our heroes- film stars, sports persons, politicians, models? What are the qualities that we appreciate in others? Is it beauty, pride, power, position? Think of the ordinary people we meet in our daily life- our parents who are loving and airing, sincere and devoted teachers who strive to mould us into responsible citizens, the postman who is punctual and systematic in bringing our letters, the honest clerk in an office- shouldn’t we appreciate their virtues?

We should emulate and imbibe all these noble qualities to become worthy citizens who can shoulder the responsibility of leading our nation to success and glory.

Article by: Ann Abraham, St Teresa’s College