We all want to be ‘Somebody’. We want to be loved, honored, recognized and chased after for our abilities. We want to be somebody’s Hero. Kids – and even some adults – have sports players, movie stars and musicians as heroes these days. Their goals are to ‘be just like them’. But are they truly suitable heroes? Is it just because they can throw a ball, star in a movie or play an instrument? Do you really want your children to emulate these ‘heroes’ every day lives? What we don’t often think about is the fact that some of the greatest heroes are people most of the world have never heard of, and never will.
Have you ever considered that maybe you have already reached that hero status? It may just be in a quiet way. You are more than likely a hero to your spouse, your parents, your children, your friends, your students. We all make a difference in someone’s life – they just may not tell you as much. The question is, do we really want them to emulate us? Do we live a good life – one of compassion, grace, generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness? Do we offer a helping hand, without any expectation of return?
My greatest Hero is Jesus. He isn’t often thought of as one, but if you stop and think about it, He has every quality that a Hero needs to have. If you stop and think about it, during His life on earth, He had hordes of followers that hung on His every word. Even today, long after His death, people are still following Him, and doing their best to emulate Him.
The Country Boy is also my hero. He is amazing with all of his versatility and capabilities. I love to watch him in action. Every day he gives everything he has to me, his work and to this farm. I rarely hear him complain about long hours, inclement weather or difficult situations. He just shrugs, says, “It is what it is,” and goes about his day. He quite frequently puts aside his own work to help a neighbor. Even when his day is slammed full, he still finds time to call me several times to make sure I’m okay.
To my cows, chickens, dogs and cats, we are their hero. We chase away predators, we feed them – regardless of the weather – and we love them, respect them and work diligently to keep them from all harm. If they are sick, we do everything in our power to nurse them back to health. Even if it means laying down on the utility room floor and loving on a sick calf.
Did you know… you can also be a hero to someone who has never laid eyes on you, and doesn’t know who you are. These heroes are people that help the homeless, give blood, donate organs, and quietly offer other charitable deeds. In this regard, I have thousands of heroes – those men and women who are in our military, and are fighting for our freedom.
I think this world is in desperate need of real heroes. It might just be time to start living our lives accordingly. Being a hero means being there, at all times of the day or night, on a beautiful day or in inclement weather, pre-dawn or midnight hours. It means doing the hard stuff. It means having great timing. It means going above and beyond to get the job done. It means paying close attention to detail. It means spending time with someone. You cannot be selfish and still be a hero. A true hero doesn’t even stop to consider ‘what is in it for me’ – but goes the distance to see that another person is truly taken care of.
Maybe what this world really needs are a few good Heroes. Just think about what a wonderful world this place would be if it was filled with good people we could actually look up to. Who is your hero?
