Humility - A Gift

I find myself looking back on my week a lot lately.  This week, I learned a whole lot more about humility than I had planned to.  It’s a virtue not easily seen in a lot of people.  In a world where many are part of the “Me” culture, identifying individuals with a sense of humility are hard to find. 

Having a humble heart allows us to understand ourselves better and accept the person God created us to be.  This can be difficult to accept and put into practice. 

Is it wrong to want to be successful and at the same time acknowledge that your success comes from the gifts given to you by Jesus?  Many would find it difficult to accept this form of humility.  Placing others ahead of ourselves shouldn’t be that hard.  But plenty do.

I have been gifted

Think of humility as a gift.  It is an outward expression of an inward desire to give up a little of ourselves for someone or something else.  If you accept it, it will either be a joy which fills your heart, or a bridge you will not cross.

I’ve wondered about the virtue of humility a lot lately.  As I opined on this, I reminded myself that Jesus provided me with gifts which I use in my work and in my personal life.  These gifts reward me in various ways.  So, is it wrong to want more?  Maybe not wrong, but perhaps a little more humility would do me some good as a reminder of who gifted me with so much to begin with!!

What is humility?

I think of it as a way to understand our own imperfections and strengths and appreciate our place in the world.  Some understand better than others.  Humility is a virtue which also can be thought of by some as a weakness.  However, to those who appreciate the value of a humble heart, they know that humility can be a joyous feeling if experienced through the love of Jesus.

I keep reminding myself, “It is not about me, it is about HIM”.  I know I need to trust that Jesus knows what is best for me and that I need to set aside what I want and rely on Him to guide me through my day.

Are you someone who aspires to do great things?  Or are you someone who sits back, and watches others do great things?  Can both be humble at heart and experience a little humility?  I think Jesus wants us to be the best child of God we can be.  How we utilize the gifts He’s given us will be a test of our trust in His guidance.

Let them shine!

When those around me appear to be more successful, that is the time that Our Lord is reminding me that humility is a gift He’s given to me to be embraced.  Instead of being angry/disappointed about how I am affected, this is the time for me to be happy for those who are shining.

I had some 45+ years of successes for which I am truly grateful.  Many have not been so blessed with the kind of successful career I’ve had.  And as I chose to steer the last portion of my life in a different direction to work for the Catholic Church, I was reminded by a friend that perhaps I can back away and take it easy.  I chose to think of it a bit differently and be a cheerleader for others to succeed.  This is where I need to remember that Jesus is quietly asking me to allow others to experience the joy of success and for me to be on the sidelines.  My joy comes as I watch and support others as they enjoy the successes which Jesus gifted me so many years ago.

It can be tough

It's not so easy backing away.  Many would say I have a strong personality.  So, backing away and allowing others to be in the spotlight or in a leadership role is not an easy task for me.  I have always been the leader, the go-to, the one with answers.  And I never really thought about it this way until a couple of friends reminded me of my past life….full of successes.  All of a sudden it made me think about how I could respond to changes which caught me by surprise, with a dash of courage, a pinch of graciousness and a cup full of humility.

The purest form of humility

Jesus lived his whole life of 33 years as the purest and most perfect example of humility.  He never sought the limelight or fanfare or attention.  He focused on the end game.  We also need to focus on the end game, not the jealousy that can come from missing the attention of a very successful career or the recognition others may receive while you look on.  Jesus had a mission and a ministry to share with the world.  And look what happened….the world is filled with believers and those of us who rely on Jesus’ love and guidance every day of our lives.  It is up to all of us how to experience the gift of humility.

It’ll make you feel good!

So, the next time you feel angry or sad or jealous of someone else who you believe got in the way of your success or accomplishment, just remember, humility can feel just as wonderful as that ‘win’ which you feel you lost.  It may take a time or two for you to feel it, but it will come if you allow Jesus to be on your shoulder whispering in your ear “do this for me”.

Counting on God’s wisdom to show us what he wants of us is a humbleness which many don’t have the courage to accept. Since I turned my disappointment into accepting a gift of humility, I no longer think of myself as missing out, but as someone who is willing to stand in the background and watch and support others in achieving their own successes.  So, not only have I not lost something, but I’ve also gained so much more.  And I am happier.

Try it.  Watch the joy in the face of others.  You’ll feel the joy as well.

Humility is a warm feeling.  Humility is Jesus.