I am an Instrument

 I used to confuse the concept of humility with that of false modesty. The former is a fruit of clear-thinking, and the latter is pride behind a mask. False modesty tells the world, “Oh, I’m not really very good at anything” while waiting for someone to tell us where we excel. It can’t accept compliments, even while hiding a fear of being found lacking. Sometimes it hides a true belief in being ‘better than’, while not wanting to appear so.

Humility recognizes both strengths and weaknesses, and allows for personal growth. It enjoys a kinship with That Which Is. Seeing and naming a character defect opens me up to asking for it’s removal, for seeing it when it shows up, for understanding how it impacts others in a negative way. Humility is also a tool for the identification and acknowledgement of my strengths. Weaknesses aren’t proof of my personal lack or worth, any more than seeing that my strengths don’t make me superior to anyone.

When I approach my Creator with the honest appraisal of ways in which I fall short of the me I’d like to be, I am in a state of mind where I can receive grace. I am then on stronger footing to be an instrument of  the Spirit of Life, both to others, and to myself.

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