How is it that greatness is defined the way it is in our culture? People meet someone whom they decide is great and these people pour adulation towards that person. Autographs are sought. Photos and memorabilia are obtained and collected and sold. And, all the while, the whole thing is just backwards.
This past Friday, I was invited to a middle school to talk about The Rusted Lantern with two groups of sixth graders. The students had read the book with their teacher, Mrs. S, and the kids were excited to meet the author of the book. The reception I received was amazing and very humbling. These young people were energized and genuinely excited to meet me, author of The Rusted Lantern. They were focused and appropriate and inquisitive and completely embracing. One child, J------, had even created her own version of the song found in Chapter 13. The melody was haunting and beautiful and enchanting and perfect. All of her classmates wanted very much for her to share the song with me.
As I passed the time with these students and engaged with them in dialogue, I found myself enchanted by who they were. Each child had their story that was every bit as interesting as mine. I wanted so much to hear about them! I was spellbound by their greatness! I had walked into the presence of some very great young people! I was no longer the guest of honor, but honored to be their guest, if only for a brief time.
I left the school very quieted, knowing I had experienced something few people do. I had arrived at the school the guest of honor because I had done something some people thought was great. But, for those three hours, I had been in the presence of Greatness, in the presence of these wonder-full boys and girls. The perspective was now not backwards, but the way it truly should be.
Celebrities have it wrong. It is they who should be collecting autographs and photos and memorabilia from those who want to meet them, for it is the fans of the celebrities that truly should be appreciated.
It is extremely honoring to be held in high esteem. And, I am grateful to those sixth graders for inviting me to come meet them. But, it is I who appreciate them, and honor them. The day with those young people had truly been for me a Day of Greatness!