Frequently Underrated Qualities
Today’s Readings - Psalm 31; Exod. 4:10-20(21-26)27-31; 1 Cor. 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41
Gratitude, humility, empathy – these emotions all come out of the realization that we are not the master of our fate. True humility is a stance in life that knows we do not create out of nothingness, we create out of beautiful resources and imaginations that are God given and we do it with wisdom from brains that were created and gifted to us by God. We do not build community or family or establish amazing relationships or jobs by ourselves. None of us lives in a way that is not in some form dependent on the help of someone else. Most of us exist solely because we have been helped multitudes of times, even when we weren’t aware of it and definitely when we thought we didn’t need it.
Some of us have had experiences that grant us a lens which provides true empathy for others in similar or even worse circumstances. And then there’s gratitude. Some of the happiest, most content, most joyful people I know are those who are continuously aware of how fortunate they are, and they live in such a way that expresses their gratitude. Not constantly wishing for more, or better but content in a way that creates a smile when no one else can understand why.
It shouldn’t be surprising then that when we as humans forget who we are, forget we are connected in infinite ways to the universe, to other humans, to God, that humility, empathy and gratitude seem to be the first to fly out the window. Unfortunately, this happens more times than we’d like to admit. We see it in our friends, our communities, and in ourselves. And maybe if we can be objective and look at it realistically these traits are as human as anything else we can name.
In today’s gospel from Mark, Jesus sees in his disciples their most human side, that of pride, selfishness and arrogance. And what does he do? He sits down and with the gentleness of a loving parent, he teaches his children. He picks up a child and holding it in his arms makes the point that so many of us still seem to miss. Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect, to be knowledgeable in all things or to be super achievers. Jesus expects us to be open hearted, humble, and receive all we are given and all who come to us with love, tenderness and compassion.
Gratitude, humility and empathy are never signs of weakness or lack of agency but rather they are qualities that though quite frequently underrated are some of the most attractive, grace-filled, lovely qualities anyone can possess. Jesus loves us into being better humans and forgives us for simply being just that, human. And maybe when we realize it’s okay to be imperfect, embracing our imperfections, then we can learn to forgive ourselves, striving to be more Christ like. Perhaps then, we come closest to knowing God. Afterall, God was once human like us.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - Where do you see humility, gratitude and empathy playing roles in your daily life? Which of the three is your strongest character trait? Which is your least strong character trait?