Our spiritual theme of “humility” is already prompting important reflection, at least based on questions I am receiving and conversations I’m having. Humility, if taken to extreme, can seem to ask that we pretend we have no talent or power.

The belief that we have power to impact our lives and our world, “agency” in theological language, is central to liberal religious faith. But humility asks us to temper our “agency” with an understanding of our limitations, and our mistakes and failures.

It requires balance, and keeping the power we do have in perspective.

The Doctor’s Daughter

On the way to preschool, the doctor had left her stethoscope on the car seat, and her child picked it up and began playing with it. “Be still my heart,” thought the doctor, “my daughter wants to follow in my footsteps!”

Then the child spoke into the instrument, “Welcome to McDonald’s. May I take your order?”

Too much emphasis on humility, particularly for those who have been marginalized, works against empowerment and can hold back movement toward justice.

Making any one value pre-eminent very frequently compromises other values we hold dear. Singular focus on one value runs the risk of idolatry. The Judeo-Christian-Muslim traditions understand that to be one of the greatest dangers.

If you are like me, help keeping perspective and maintaining balance can come from many sources; but children are somehow frequently involved.

Maintaining a sense of humor about ourselves can be a help. Humor need not diminish the seriousness with which we take our living and it can add considerable joy.

As our Responsive Reading by Harry Meserve began, last Sunday:

“From arrogance, pompousness, and from thinking ourselves more important than we are, may some saving sense of humor liberate us.”

Can I take your order?

Blessings,

Bill