Unlocking Greatness in Others
Theme: Unlocking Greatness in Others
Verse: So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19)
This is the 20th anniversary of my good friend Ron Rook inviting me to run the “Saturday Morning 12 miler”. I think the longest distance I had run up to that point from about 8 miles. Ron encouraged me that once I got out there, I wouldn’t know the difference between 8 and 12 miles.
For the record, that characterization was a bit of a fabrication.
After a restless Friday night, I arrived at the start point at “Oh-Dark Thirty.” (You don’t want to know the actual time of day.) Ron had positioned some Gatorade at a couple of key locations along the route so with hydration arranged, we were set up for success and off we went!
After a bit over an hour (and several stories about his running career and other topics), we hit the 2nd water stop. Having just passed the longest distance I had gone previously I was tired, but because of Ron’s encouragement, felt good enough to finish the final leg. Then, as the saying goes, the rest is history. From that day, I have been out on the running path most Saturday mornings all thanks to Ron’s encouragement.
Ron, a retired Marine Colonel, was what we call a BUILDER. That is someone who helps others reach their full potential. We all need BUILDERS in our lives to help us reach the finish line when getting there seems impossible.
If you have had a BUILDER in your life (Hint: We all have had one!), reflect on who that is and how they mentored you. As a THANK YOU to that person (or more likely, persons), look for opportunities to “Pay It Forward.” We all have something to contribute that will unlock the greatness God has in store for them. Maybe it is in athletics, or an academic situation, or even guiding them in their faith walk. You might be the very person God has in mind to guide someone to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Never underestimate the power of being a BUILDER. After all, Jesus’s earthly father was a carpenter!
Have a GREAT Week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page