This one is about pride and arrogance. And how they will limit, hurt, maybe even kill you.

I have amazing children. I’ve taught hundreds of students of various levels and backgrounds for close to 30 years. This isn’t just a proud dad talking.

I know. Been around.

Mine are educated in the vein of the mob, law enforcement, and the church. Book, street, people, and God smart.

But that’s not where it’s at. Intelligence, charm, charisma, and even grit doesn’t make the man or woman. The world is full of those types that end up doing something less than worthy and even evil. Just look at the politician and financier class and that’s enough evidence for a lifetime.

This one is really about all those words that are plastered all over Hallmark cards like peace, joy, love, hope – but may as be throwaway scraps of fortune cookie inserts.

Meaning, fulfillment, legacy too I suppose.

True greatness – not just skill, expertise, accomplishments, etc.

When I reflect on the great works of art, music, literature, architecture, I often ask what separates the enduring ones from the good, even great. And other than genius or the hand of God, there is often a story of deep wistfulness, yearning, and often pain, suffering behind them. It’s not true of all but many. Only eyes that have cried can see clearly.

My grandfather figure told me about how Beethoven wrote much of his great pieces when he was in his darkest moments. That is a mystery- the relationship between exquisite beauty and what generates, inspires it. What truly resonates.

And that circle is only made complete with a humility and the knowing that follows from often the darkness that is the only womb that can form and birth it.

I spent much of my education and career studying leadership, power – and that concept applies greatly here as well as the other fields I’ve mentioned. So many of our “leaders” have no idea what it means to kneel. And that’s why they cannot lift up and even step on others.

There is no room for miracles or more when all you can turn to is yourself. When you are the center, the universe you operate and allow in will be limited.