Become Your Best For the World

"I read an article about the Best Weaver in the World."

• Paula Maddock
  

Becoming Your Best

I was surrounded by a whirlwind of children. They were playing hide and seek. That meant the whole house had become their game board and everyone in it was a pawn. I watched as they giggled and squealed with delight during their play. Many of the little tikes rushed around with two fists full of cookies as if they were demonstrating a joy that was almost too much to contain. It was all one large canvas, a painting of growth and celebration.

My extended family had gathered to celebrate the birth of a little girl. She didn't know it then and still can't comprehend what she's become part of. I know I still can't figure it all out. So during this time of merriment I acted the part of teasing uncle.

I walked through three large rooms watching the interactions taking place between parent and child, great grandparents, uncles and aunts, grandmas and grandpas, cousins, and siblings all seasoned with a few family friends just to add a little spice. All these exchanges happening at once can quickly become sensory overload for the uninitiated. Since I am not akin to that lot, after these many years, I've been granted immunity from the chaos and can have a little fun of my own.

So, I sat in the middle of it all negotiating with one of my nieces. She's not more than seven-years-old and is trying to understand the process of making money. It's great for both of us because now I'm going to get my whole house dusted and she's going to earn one dollar for her work! In the end though, we both know that the dust will still remain comfortably resting on my furniture and the dollar will soon fly off to provide strength to someone else's wallet. I like being part of participating in the growth of these kids swirling around me.

Toward the end of my stay, the whirlwind carried me down a small hallway where my sister showed me a favorite saying she had lettered on her wall. It says something like, "Be the best for the world, not the best in the world." She read an article about the "best weaver in the British Isles" once and when the winner was interviewed, she was asked how it felt to be the "best in the world. " Her reply was that she didn't weave to be the best in the world; she weaves to be her best, for the world.

There I stood, surrounded by family and friends. We were all weaved together in differing patterns; interacting through shifting and ever changing relationships. But we were all working to help each other become the best we can be for the world. It's both instructive and interesting that such a moment of clarity can come out of a boiling pot of celebration.

So, even as it appears as if there is nothing but chaos all around you, celebrate your chance to become the best you can become for our world. You're part of a huge tapestry that will be more beautiful because of your unique and wonderful contribution.