Reflection of Greatness

Have you ever received a compliment from someone you look up to? How did that feel? It’s like sunshine hitting your face on a frosty morning. It’s like warming yourself by a campfire when its snowing outside. It’s like the air conditioning kicking on in your car when the seats are burning your thighs and sweat is dripping down your forehead. It’s relief. It’s freedom. It’s a ticket to paradise. It’s a soul hug.

And just like that soul-hugging compliment, there’s something about cooking outside that hits differently. Maybe it’s the crackle of wood, or the way the smoke wraps around you like a flannel shirt from your grandpa’s closet. The moment you flip that first sizzling sausage on the pan, with pine trees for walls and stars for a ceiling, you’re not just making dinner—you’re tapping into something primal and perfect. The kind of joy that doesn’t come with a receipt or a reservation.

Out there, your tools are simple but mighty. A cast iron skillet. A chipped enamel mug. And the real hero? The rocket stove. Efficient, compact, and hotter than a jalapeño’s armpit, it turns twigs into gourmet fuel. You gather around it like it’s the wise old storyteller of the woods, dishing out warmth and crispy bacon in equal measure. It’s comfort. It’s connection. It’s the kind of campfire camaraderie that makes you believe in the good stuff again.

Imagine a person you look up to. Picture them in your mind. Now, immediately recognize that they can do the same. There is someone that they look up to. Also, immediately recognize that there is someone that looks up to you, and there is someone that looks up to them. You see, we are all part of this web. We are all somewhere in this web of greatness. The importance of this is in the reflection. Do you let them know? Do you reflect the greatness that you see in someone back to them? Are you the sunshine to their cold morning?

You see, each day we come into contact with all kinds of people. Some look up to you, and some you look up to. In the end, I don’t believe it really matters which of the two each person is. I do think this will have an effect on your journey through this life, though. What matters the most is how you interact with them. Do you reflect greatness? Do you show them their strengths? Do you bring out the best in people? Do you challenge them to be better? Do you shine light on them?

Do you find yourself in a place of leadership? I am defining leadership by someone looking to you for validation in any way. If so, you, my friend, have the power to reflect greatness. Show them they are great. Don’t ever take this lightly. This does not excuse you from your path and your journey, but this does give you a direct link to having a tremendous effect on others.

Being great is one thing, but reflecting greatness takes a whole different kind of person. It’s always your choice, and we could all use a solid dose of greatness. Shine some light. Give a little. You may just change someone’s life for the better.

 

Danny Lesslie

@dannylesslie