Continuing in my reading of "The Lessons of St. Francis", one of the chapters I read this evening was on humility. At the end of each chapter, the author poses questions for consideration by the reader, and suggests ways in which we can further incorporate the values of St. Francis into our own lives... Here are the questions from the lesson on humility:
-When you are around other people, do you insist on promoting your opinions, driving home your points, and being the last one to talk on an issue? Or are you content to let others have their say without any commentary or criticism from you?
Do I REALLY have to tell anyone that knows me the answer to this?
-How do you feel about the driver who cuts you off on the freeway? Are you shocked by his insensitivity to your rights as a driver? Or how do you feel about the family which grabs the restaurant table that you had eyed for yourself? Or what do you feel about the handicapped person who forces you to walk more slowly or delays your ascent up a flight of stairs to an important meeting? Do you easily get bent our of shape and angry about slight inconveniences?
Admittedly, I failed this question as well... It drives me batty when I get cut off in traffic, of course I always want the best table, and with the exception of my grandmother, slow people for whatever reason get me bent out of shape. And since we're on the topic of small things; is it really that hard for the bank to restock the ATM on Friday before they leave for the weekend?
-How do you treat others? How do you related to the person taking your order at the fast food restaurant drive-through window? Are you brusque and insolent? Or how do you interact with the cashier at the local convenience store? Are you all business, or do you have time to exchange a smile, share a word of encouragement, or offer a compliment? Do you demand polite service or are you thankful for it?
This was going to be my saving grace, but alas, failure...
The point (I think) to these questions lies in ultimately asking ourselves; "Who am I to say I am better than another?" All of us have our strengths, our weaknesses, our gifts, our shortcomings; its what makes each of unique, by God's design. In humility we are to place others before ourselves, to be in their service, and to raise them on our own backs if need be...
Here is a passage that touched me in particular...
"Pride makes us hate our equals because they are our equals; our inferiors for fear they may equal us; our superiors because they are above us." -St. John Vianney
How true!?! Who am I to say that another is not deserving of the same gifts I have been given? Who am I to be envious of another when he benefits and I do not? Who am I to question the decisions of those I work for? This is by far the most difficult virtue for me to embrace, but I must work to practice humility in my life moving forward and ask forgiveness for my lack of humility thus far...
-Nate