I am great in my own ways. I may not have achieved what others have achieved but I am grateful to have done things which God has ordained to be the "common lot of all mankind". :) We may feel that we have failed because we haven't achieved what others in the world or in the Church have achieved. We then feel sad for it or feel bad about ourselves. Yes, each of us wants to achieve a measure of greatness in this life. But when inflated expectations of the world change the definition of greatness, difficulty arises. We have known a lot of "successful" people in the world--movie stars, businessmen, doctors, athletes, scientists, artists, etc. We are constantly bombarded with images of individuals who seem to have perfect and flawless features from magazines, TV commercials, billboards, etc. We look at them as great people and think that that is essence of true greatness. We then make comparisons between what we are and what others are or what we have and others have. Yes, somehow it's good to make comparisons because it might motivate us to bring about much good, to improve our lives and achieve our fullest potential, but we often allow improper comparisons that destroys our happiness when they cause us to feel unfulfilled, inadequate, or unsuccessful. Sometimes when these feelings arises, '' we are led into error and dwell on our failures while ignoring aspects of our lives that may contain true elements of greatness'' (President Howard W. Hunter). "After all, to do well those things which God has ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness. To be a successful father or a successful mother is greater than to be a successful general or a successful statesman." (Juvenile Instructor, 15 December 1905, p. 752.) This is what true greatness means. The common lot of all mankind mentioned here includes those things that should be done to be a good mother :), a good daughter, a good student, a good neighbor. :) According to President Howard W. Hunter, " To do one's best in the face of the commonplace struggles of life--and possibly in the face of failure--and to continue to endure and to persevere in the ongoing difficulties of life when those struggles and tasks contribute to others' progress and happiness and one's own eternal salvation--this is true greatness." :D It is important that as we evaluate ourselves we not only focus on our accomplishments but also on the conditions under which we have labored. We know each of us is unique; we have different mixture of talents and skills; we face different challenges in life. Thus, our self-judgment sholud not only include the magnitude of our accomplishments but also include the conditions that have existed and the effect that our efforts have had on others. We do have unlimited number of opportunities to do many simple and minor things that will ultimately make us great like devoting ourselves in service to God and to the people around us, sacrificing for our families, and doing the best we can to help further the work of the Lord here on earth. I know true greatness cannot be achieved instantaneously. It takes a lifetime. :) It requires development of one's character. It needs a multiple of correct decisions in our everyday choices. I hope we will never be discouraged to perform those things that God has ordained to be 'the common lot of man'.

Tags: Greatness

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