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Greatness


I once heard NFL Superstar Ray Lewis say, "Greatness is a lot small things done well, day after day." It is probably my favorite definition of greatness. Greatness is certainly not an act, a moment or an event - it's a campaign. A campaign of discipline, diligence and determination.

If you ask people, I'm sure most everyone says they want an amazing life, to make an impact and leave a legacy. A life of greatness. But it seems very few are willing to do the small, mundane and sometimes even seemingly insignificant things that greatness requires. We all want a life that looks like the Sistine Chapel but we ignore the fact it took millions of tiny brush strokes to get there.

Maybe it's because of the commitment? Maybe we are intimidated by the work ahead? Possibly the discomfort? What is it that keeps you from creating your Art?

Even Michelangelo himself was daunted by the endeavor set in front of him. Did you know he originally turned down the commission? It was not only the vastness of the project itself, but also because he saw himself as a sculptor at heart; painting was outside his comfort zone. He was dangerously perched atop a 70ft scaffold with wet paint and plaster (the plaster had to be painted soon after being freshly applied) dripping into his eyes, sometimes causing significant injury. His neck was craned back in excruciating positions and he sometimes painted such long hours, candlelight was his only illumination. It was hardly convenient or without sacrifice. Working on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo applied brushstroke after countless brushstroke, day after day, for four years - not including the six years he spent on the "Last Judgement" alone. That is what greatness looks like. Not bad for a sculptor!

God gave you the canvas of Life on which to paint a masterpiece but it will take a lifetime of deliberate brush strokes. You had better get to painting!

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