We lost a bright star this week. Stephen Hawking. One of the great luminaries of our age.

Despite his debilitating diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease decades ago, Hawking stayed at the cutting edge of physics and astronomy, generating groundbreaking research on the cosmos and the origins of our universe. He was a prolific writer and speaker. He pushed the edges of humanity’s knowledge, and the boundaries of his own physical limitations.

And he wasn’t afraid to risk.

Hawking broke his leg in a high speed wheelchair accident on the streets of his home town. He soared in a hot air balloon. And in 2007, when he was 65, Hawking took part in a zero-gravity flight.

Asked why he took such risks, he said, “I want to show that people need not be limited by physical handicaps as long as they are not disabled in spirit.”

Hawking lived a big life.

Each one of us is called to live a big life. To step beyond our own obstacles and limitations. To get out of our own way. To go out in the world and share those gifts and talents that are uniquely ours to share.

The poet Rumi wrote, “You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. Learn to use them and fly.”

Toward the end of his life, Hawking said, “Though as humans we’re bound to earth, we’re meant to fly with wings.”

When will you claim your wings?