What Kind of Flower are You?

“Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord; I assure you that he will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5

There are probably hundreds of personality quizzes online that one can take. You’ve probably seen them and tried a few for fun. “W1960’s Song are You?”, “If You were a Dog, What Type would You Be?”, “What Color is Your Personality?” and on the list goes….

There is probably even a test to determine what flower fits your personality. How many of us would like to be roses? Roses are known for their great beauty and stand out above their other flowery friends in most gardens. Or how about a lily? Whether pure white or flaming orange these tropical beautifies capture the eye by their magnificent hues and unique shapes.

Yet how many of us would want to be a simple, little flower? Well one of our well-known saints named herself ‘the Little Flower of Jesus’ and led a life of simplicity and humility befitting the description. Unlike a rose who flaunts itself, she choose the humility of a daisy, the simplicity of a violet…all in the garden of spirituality. Her life is one that we would do well to imitate.

And how do we practice a life of humility?

First, we have to stop seeking the attention for ourselves. When we give to charity (time or resources) do we do it privately out of love or do we trumpet our giving for the praise and attention of others? Do we acquire the latest gadgets, vehicles, or clothing out of need or primarily to impress or outshine others? Do we maintain healthy relationships with others or only when it benefits our purposes or offers us an opportunity to brag?

“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

St. Therese knew to practice humility she could follow Christ’s example and words: “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35 The Son of God lived a life of poverty and servitude towards others. His life is one that we should all strive to copy.

Likewise St. Therese strived for a simple life and a life in which she would do ordinary tasks with extreme love: “We must never search for what seems big in human eyes.” St. Therese, the ‘little flower’ did not seek fame, fortune, the luxury of things, travels or praise from others. Rather her focus was on God’s kingdom and how to bring souls to Him. “As a small flame, weak and shaky, can spark a large fire, God uses who He wants to extend His kingdom….so there’s nothing to boast about when we’re used as his instruments.”

We are called to do the same. To put other’s needs before ourselves and to do so with love. We are not to be boastful in the process. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

In modern times, we were blessed to have Mother Teresa as a role model of humility. Speaking on the subject she suggested “These are the few ways we can practice humility: To speak as little as possible of one’s self. Not to want to manage other people’s affairs. To avoid curiosity. To accept insults and injuries…” She too lived a life of great humility never seeking comforts for herself.

Now, if we were to think about which flower could be a symbol for our spirituality, our soul…what would we choose? Do we still want to be the vibrant, showy center of attention or can we strive to be more like the simple daisy…the ‘little’ flower?