What comes to mind when you hear the word, “humility?” Are you inspired by a sense of open-mindedness or do you have feelings of fear?
This is one of those words that contain such power it has the ability to reach both ends of the spectrum, depending on who you are and how you relate to experiences. It can influence, as well as destroy.
From a personal standpoint, I’ve grown to appreciate humility and try to learn from what others have to offer – especially when I least expect it. Being humbled seems to be a regular occurrence in my life and oddly enough, in many instances, can be linked (sometimes indirectly) to having arthritis.
Below is part of an e-mail I got from a friend last week.
“I was waiting at a light to come back to work and a homeless guy had his sign. I had some [nonperishable] tuna lunches in my car for such an occasion because they don’t need refrigerated and they stay good forever. So I rolled down my window and asked him if he wanted some and he was very excited. So I gave him two and he said, ‘I hate doing this – never thought I would have to do this, but I can’t find employment. I have a degree from Ohio State in business management.’ Annette – it about floored me because that is what I have a degree in. And I’m thinking, but for the grace of God, go I. It was humbling.”
Reading my friend’s words was humbling on so many levels, the obvious being, homelessness can happen to anyone! We often stereotype those who live on the streets, but the truth is, it’s not just a particular type of person. In reality it could be you or me. (I was also struck by the fact that she’s prepared and carries nonperishable food items in her car “for such an occasion.” Who does that?!)
As the days passed, I found myself repeatedly sharing this act of kindness with others because it was awe-inspiring to me. In turn, the subject generated conversations about surviving on the streets, as well as having to deal with the unavoidable ailments of illness and lack of treatments or comfort.
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