By: Mac Anderson founder of "Simple Truths"
I first met Charlie Cullen during my sophomore year in college. Charlie had been ranked by his peers as the top speaker in the country, and he had addressed the leaders of many Fortune 500 companies. But on this day, as a favor to his nephew, he interrupted his schedule to speak to a small group of students at the Holiday Inn. For almost an hour, I sat there in awe as he spoke passionately about the keys to success. He talked about courage, humility, perseverance, and believing in your dreams. And he ended with a story I never forgot.
He said that he was in the Oklahoma City airport when he saw a woman walking along with three little girls. They were skipping and singing, "Daddy's coming home on a big jet! Daddy's coming home on a big jet!" All excited! Eyes lit up like diamonds! Wild anticipation! They had never before met Daddy coming home on a jet. Their mother was so proud of them. You could see it in her eyes.
Then the plane arrived, the door opened and the passengers streamed in. You didn't have to ask which one was Daddy. The girls' eyes were glued on him. But his first look was for his wife. Seeing her, he yelled, "Why in the heck didn't you bring my top coat?" and walked right past his adoring daughters.
You see, here was a man who had an opportunity to be great, and he didn't recognize it.
How many times a day, a week, a month do we have the opportunity to be great, and not even know it?
I heard this story over 40 years ago, but I never forgot it. It helped to shape my life in a very positive way...to focus on what matter's most.
He said that he was in the Oklahoma City airport when he saw a woman walking along with three little girls. They were skipping and singing, "Daddy's coming home on a big jet! Daddy's coming home on a big jet!" All excited! Eyes lit up like diamonds! Wild anticipation! They had never before met Daddy coming home on a jet. Their mother was so proud of them. You could see it in her eyes.
Then the plane arrived, the door opened and the passengers streamed in. You didn't have to ask which one was Daddy. The girls' eyes were glued on him. But his first look was for his wife. Seeing her, he yelled, "Why in the heck didn't you bring my top coat?" and walked right past his adoring daughters.
You see, here was a man who had an opportunity to be great, and he didn't recognize it.
How many times a day, a week, a month do we have the opportunity to be great, and not even know it?
I heard this story over 40 years ago, but I never forgot it. It helped to shape my life in a very positive way...to focus on what matter's most.
I thought this was a great reminder of how our actions; if only for a brief moment, can brighten a life or repress it... I want to be a light!
2 comments:
Cricket- I love your writing and your thoughts- thanks for sharing...you're awesome kid!
Wow! This touched my heart! Love ya Ericka
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