Good to Great to Extraordinary

Do you know the difference between being good, great, and extraordinary? It’s work, hard work, and grace. This is the thought I had tonight as I ran.

So what does it mean to be extraordinary? Contrary to what the world might tell you, being extraordinary has nothing to with external things or even with personal accomplishments. Being extraordinary is all about using your natural and acquired talents to live life to the fullest. It’s also about making a positive difference in the lives of others. To be extraordinary you don’t have to be a celebrity or a Mother Teresa. You simply have to be you to the fullest. That’s where the grace part comes in.

My wife is a Realtor and the mother of three children (4 if you count me). When we were first married we envisioned how wonderful it would be to have a family. In actuality, our kids are the greatest miracle we have ever been blessed with. In practice, providing for and keeping up with 3 small children can be mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally demanding. I look at my wife, and she may not know it, but I think she is extraordinary. She has transcended greatness because she chooses to recieve the grace required to fulfill her role as a mom to the fullest.

Interestingly enough, once you cross over to being extraordinary something else shows up to propel you further – love. It’s there all along, but living an extraordinary life somehow makes it a little more tangible. Almost like you can point to it and say, “There it is.” My wife does what she does and is able to do more because she is filled with love. This is tonight’s lesson. Remember to seek grace in your life if you want to live it to the fullest.

Today inspiration came to me in a unique form – a professional makeup artist. Here’s her story.