Brilliance

Ken’s business in the music industry recently took him on a trip to Prague, where he hired the Prague Philharmonic to play for 3 different projects. He had a day to walk about the city, taking in the vast history, as well as attempting to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking city through a small hole on a camera.

Of all the beautiful places in Prague, of all the cathedrals, monuments, bridges, and buildings, this picture, this spot amazes me the most. I know. It’s a round concrete slab surrounded by unkempt foliage and pathway. But it’s history is rich. Almost haunting to me. See, Albert Einstein stood on this very spot and gave lectures.

I am amazed by brilliant people. Not just people with knowledge. Knowledge can be obtained by any human being who works hard at it - well read, well-cultured, memorizing various facts, etc… I am constantly surprised by my brother, and brother-in-law’s abilities to participate in any conversation on this planet, as they seem to know a little about everything…but brilliance in itself is a gift. It’s the ability to take knowledge to a degree that you can’t find in textbooks. Brilliance is exposed when one turns nothing in to something!! Einstein was brilliant with his mathematical equations, and theories..something no one has ever thought of, some may have even thought he was crazy!

Brilliance doesn’t just mean smart. Yes, Einstein was very smart, but he took smart to a whole new level!!! Actually we have learned to use the word creatively when describing someone who is : very bright : glittering <a brilliant light>2 a: striking, distinctive <a brilliant example> b: distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness or as Webster’s 1826 puts it: 1. Sparkling with luster; glittering; as a brilliant gem; a brilliant dress. 2. Splendid; shining; as a brilliant achievement.

I am inspired by the brilliance of so many :

There is a couple in our church whose “brilliance” for loving people is astonishing. Their genuineness goes above and beyond the normal and sometimes difficult call to “Love one another as yourselves”. The way they have raised their children, and how they love and respect each other, and have dedicated their lives to training other families to do the same is incredible. Precious.

A friend of ours’ “brilliance” to parent 5 children and constantly reach out and serve others, while running their household and business goes beyond just “knowing how to”.

I work with a designer who doesn’t just “place furniture” but turns a dull, boring space into a place of serenity; beautiful, function able, meaningful and “OMG Amaaaazing”, in a matter of a few moments.

I attend a church where the brilliance of our Pastors shine through the lives they lead and the words they speak.

My husband is a brilliant man in the way he loves, forgives, and leads our family.

Yes. I am amazed and challenged by brilliant people. We all have the ability and responsibility to acquire knowledge, but it is God that gives the gift to be “splendid”, to “shine”, to become brilliant…maybe even brilliant enough to stand on your own cement circle, and one day have people take pictures of it…it may not be glorious, but your mark will have been made!