2009 has been filled with nothing but blessings in disguises. You know how you write your paper first and then add the title at the very end when you're finished with it? That's kind of how I am with my life every year. Now that this year is almost at its end, I look back in retrospect and there seems to be a recurring theme: Humility (or lack thereof).. I can list so many examples of my past year when my own selfishness and pride had been (thankfully) trumped by God's power and grace. He taught me what humility is truly about, and never withheld grace when I messed up over and over again. My goal for the coming year is to continue to practice what He has shown me. God has taught me a valuable lesson, and as James 4:17 says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." I need to carry out that lesson.
I can try to predict what next year will be like, but it all seems so futile because time and time again God has never failed to fill my life with surprises--good or bad.. but ultimately good. Following Him is like following the wind--you just have to go with it wherever it leads.
The road to success leads through the valley of humility, and the path is up the ladder of patience and across the wide barren plains of perseverance. As yet, no short cut has been discovered.
--Joseph. J. Lamb
Humility is like underwear; essential, but indecent if it shows.
--Helen Nielsen
I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own powers. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man.
--John Ruskin
When we become aware of our humility, we've lost it.
--Anonymous
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
--Philippians 2:3 it.
