Humility

Day 48. Humility.

One of the hardest lessons we have to learn is humility. We humans are really easily convinced that we are the greatest thing since canned beer. Sometimes we learn the lesson ourselves, sometimes God has to teach us. Either way, it's a experience that we don't easily forget.

I think men are naturally less humble than women, as it's likely taken more as weakness so men avoid it. I'd offer the other side of the coin, that humility is a sign of strength. When you can admit you aren't prideful, that you aren't just crowing to hear yourself crow, that's a sign of a man that knows his true self. We can all spot that arrogant jerk from across the room, and you do not want to be him. That guy that just held the door for the old lady, that's a real man. The stranger that helps a little boy to his feet after falling off his bike, that's a man.

Women who haven't found humility, we have a special word for: you all know it. We've probably all been that woman before, there is a time and place for her. But you have to know when to put her away, and act right. The humble waitress calls all her customers "honey," and knows that her man won't stand for any foolishness. The coworker who quietly helps everyone who has trouble with the stupid copier.

Humility is a precursor to grace. It's earned, and sometimes with a heavy price. We see people who have great careers but no humility, and we wonder when they'll fall. Because they will. You can't flaunt anything for long without someone (or God) putting you in your place. Grace is what comes when get back up after you've been humbled. That only happens if you learn your lesson. If the mistakes are repeated, so will the penalty.

I hope I've learned my lesson, and found grace as well. It's not an easy thing to know, as we usually aren't even aware that we've put ourselves on a pedestal, much less having been knocked off of one. The fall to the floor doesn't always leave a mark, and our egos are big fluffy cushions. The lesson isn't always obvious, and there's no referee's whistle to let us know we've gotten out of line. We have to learn the signs and police ourselves, keeping our egos and emotions in check. Being graceful is hard work.

Lesson Forty Eight: Do you control your pride and keep your ego in check? Have you ever had the wind knocked out of your sails, and realized you might should've been a little less arrogant? Think about the times you've had your feet knockd out from under you, and ask if you conducted yourself with humility. See if you can find the grace it takes to be humble.

682 to go...