“Believe me, in the presence of Infinite Wisdom, a little study of humility and a few humble acts are worth more than all the knowledge in the world.” Teresa of Avila, The Book of My Life (1562)
Have you seen someone doing a humble act that made you rejoice?
It happened to me in early June when I was coming out of the grocery store just behind a bent-over, old man who was slowly walking with a sack of groceries in each hand.
A very tall, dark-haired young man—he looked like a university basketball player—came walking out of the store after me and caught up to the older man in two long strides. “Would you like me to carry your groceries?” he asked.
“Yes, that would be fine” was the reply. So the older man gave his groceries to the younger and they walked side by side all the way to the car.
Since then, I’ve been thinking about these two men. It’s been my own “little study of humility.” How grateful I am to have been a witness to this humble act! I’ve been looking for more examples, but I haven’t found any. Is it because humble acts are small things that don’t draw attention to themselves and are easy to miss, or is it because fewer people are committed to quiet service? While I sort out answers to these questions, I’m going to be watching for a few more humble acts and I hope you will join me.
May the presence of Infinite Wisdom guide our actions into service for others and may blessings fall like summer rain upon the old and young man, today and every day.
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Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI was at Walgreen's last week. A young man, also a college student, asked the cashier for quarters. He was doing laundry. She said she didn't have any. A bent-over lady next to him in line said "Do you need quarters? I have a lot." She started handing him quarters, one by one. After about 12 quarters he said, "I owe you $3." she said. "For what?" He reminded her and she said "Well, I'm 90 years old and that's a lot to remember." He settled up with her and they walked out of the store together. Their exchange made my day.Just like this blog entry. Thank you.
Marsha
Thank you, Marsha!
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