“The heights by great men reached and kept,
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A friend of mine sent this lovely quote to me yesterday morning. It filled me with a deep sense of appreciation for those who have dedicated their lived to improving the world around them, for such devotion is a rare but admirable quality.
Despite the occasional appearance of overnight success, greatness is invariably achieved as a result of “toiling upward in the night,” as Longfellow so beautifully penned. The revelation of greatness is first conceived as a vision of greatness. For most, greatness is born not of self-interest but instead of selfless service.
How would you define the nature of your service to others? Are you concerned to give the best you can give, 24/7, no matter what the circumstances may be? Or are you satisfied with a lower standard?
Service has a strangely elastic quality. Just when you think you’ve given your fullest you find that the door magically opens to a new level of giving, if you are in the habit of taking that last step.
Far too often the expression of greatness is quashed by the failure to work all the way through to completion. It isn’t even a question of failing to go the extra mile for most, indeed most never complete the mile before the final mile.
If you aspire to make a difference in the world, you needn’t necessarily envision greatness for yourself, but you do need to answer the inner call the greatness. That said, like most things that are feared, accepting the call is often harder than answering it. If you get in the habit of answering it, however, you will find that discharging your responsibility in relation to the call becomes easier over time.
Have a great weekend and if you get the call, be sure to answer!
Gregory Hake 
A few months ago when I was laid off from my full-time job (though I freelance part-time as well), I decided to volunteer for a new nonprofit where I live. It was work that was in my field.
What still bothers me consistently though is being asked if “now was the best time to start volunteering?”
Because of how it makes you feel, I thought it was the best time to start (this is mentioned above somewhere).
I recently stumbled upon your site, very impressive. I’m addicted to TED and can see it all over your site.
There’s one other thing I keep wondering but it’s very subtle. Were/Are you a fan of Carnegie’s How To Win Friends and Influence People? I see common anecdotes, stories and people popping up that I recall reading in his book. I relented reading his book because I loathed the title. I had no interest in “winning” friends or “influencing” anybody. I read it in one night and is one of those life-changing pieces of literature.
Thanks for your blog.
ThomJ
Philadelphia
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Beautiful poem. Stepping up and staying with it is a muscle group; it has to be developed and consistantly used. Thanks for your words too.
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It never fails I feel my best when I am helping others.
I have seen several times lately situations where someone has chosen not to take a moment in their lives to make a moment in someone else’s life a little easier. These moments are precious moments missed, as it is an opportunity for both people to have experience a blessing.
I wish to keep my eyes open to every opportunity I can assist another to better their lives and mine, therefore making it a better world for all.
Wonderful reminder!
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This is great news! “Toiling upward in the night” sounds hard, but you’re right that answering the call and beginning is the hardest part. The great thing about being willing to go 100% is the feeling you get when the next door opens and what once was hard is now second nature. The way it works is surprising the first few times, but you begin to expect it and look forward to it. I am always open to the idea that my best can get better. I want to give the best I can, 24/7, and this is the way to do it!
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In this day I shall be keenly alert not only to hear the call, but to answer courageously, following all the way through, that those sleeping round about might hear the call also!
Ready am I,
Thanks Gregg!
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Thanks Gregg, that was a beautiful quote. Our lives are defined by who/what we serve (whether that’s ourselves or something beyond ourselves). No matter what, we still always have a choice of whether to be great in the moment. All of those moments that may seem inconsequential or mundane lead to greatness if our ears are open to that call and we listen and act!
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Thanks so much! I won’t wait for the call, but take advantage of every moment to embrace the situations that open the way so the call can be heard when it comes! I want to make a difference!
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i remember years ago talking with my wife about having children – i just couldn’t see how i would handle the responsibility, certainly not one i would take lightly.
but when i did “answer the call” the resources started pouring in and i stepped up to the responsibility – what a service and a joy!
great thoughts for the weekend
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