Where Has the Humility Gone
As we get older, we learn. We grow. We discover. We can reflect upon our lives and take a good hard look at the mistakes of our youth and even the mistakes of today. No one is perfect, right? Yet, for some, the “good hard look” never seems to materialize.
Instead, it is overshadowed by the importance of overindulgence, selfishness and a litany of me, me, me. Lately, I have been left wondering where the humility has really gone.
If I had asked myself that question years ago, I probably wouldn’t have given it much thought. Youth does that to you. It allows you an almost blissful ignorance at times because for the most part, life is new. You are experiencing so many things for the very first time and you often get lost amongst yourself.
Yet, I am now a mom and a wife. I now have a far better grasp of the importance of humility. I will also be the first one to admit that I am still learning; growing. As I mentioned, no one is perfect. So why the question?
To put it simply, empathy kicked in. Painfully watching kind and honest friends struggle, all because others chose arrogance before humility. Does that even make sense? I am all for loving yourself and believing in what you are doing.
However, the moment you start to truly believe that you are better than others is the moment you have crossed the line. A good-hearted person does not find accomplishment and joy from the suffering of others.
C.S. Lewis put it best, “true humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Think of how many painful situations can be avoided if we just thought of ourselves less and took that time to think of others more!
Tammi says
I have learned that you can control yourself yet not others, meaning, live so that you can sleep at night and be proud of who you are. I know some cannot say the same, and while it’s a shame, that is their choice. It’s all choice. Love the quote, Kristen, you have a lot of humility!
Katherine Williams says
This is a very true thought, and well spoken too.
Sandy says
What a wonderful post, Kristen! This is something everyone should read to remind us all that we need think more about the others around us, and less of ourselves. It is very understandable for young adults to think of themselves first, for as you say, so many life experiences are new to them, and young people often get lost amongst themselves. The sad thing is that so many adults these days, who should know better, can be very selfish as well, only thinking about “me me me”. The good thing is, not everyone is like that. I saw a great example of that the other day…in you, Kristen. You unselfishly helped me when I needed it most. You may not think it was much..but it was to me. You dropped everything to focus on what I needed at the time. I’m very grateful – thank you again!
Kristen says
I am so very glad I was able to help Sandi!!!! Thank you so very much for your wonderful reflection on what I wrote, it means a lot!!!