Humility

    One of the books I am reading right now is a book by C.J. Mahaney entitled Humility.  It's a really great book! (so far at least.)  Honestly, this is the third time I've started it.  I aim to finish it this time though! The first time I was reading it along with a friend and just never finished.  The second time I was reading it at school and was interrupted in the middle and never found the time to finish it.  This time I'm going to finish it... and there ain't nothin' you can do about it! ;)  Sounds pretty humble right? Esh!

Anyways, what I was going to say about it...

I'm on chapter 7, the chapter about special focus' that insight humility.  There are a few really great quotes that C.J. put in, and I thought I'd share them with you.

On Studying the attributes of God:

The grand difference between a human being and a supreme being is precisely this: Apart from God, I cannot exist.  Apart from me, God does exist. God does not need me in order for Him to be; I need God in order for me to be. This is the difference between what we call self-existence being and dependant being.  We are dependant.  We are fragile. We cannot live without air, without water, without food.  No human being has the power of being within himself.  Life is lived between two hospitals.  We need a support system from birth to death to sustain life.  We are like flowers that bloom and wither and then fade.  This is how we differ from God.  God does not wither, God does not fade, god is not fragile. - R.C. Sproul

 Then, at the end of the chapter, C.J. goes into a couple lighter ways of building humility in self.  They are both very true and I appreciated reading them.  Let me share...

Laugh often, and laugh often at yourself.  Terry Lindval writes this: "Laughter is a divine gift to the human who is humble.  A proud man cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself over to the rocking and rolling of his belly.  but a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego."  How about you? Are you making the most of this divine gift?  I'm very grateful that god gave me a father with an unusual gift of humor, who taught me to laugh at myself (there's no lack of material).  Time and again laughter has provided much-needed help in my ongoing battle against pride.

I found that section of the chapter very applicable.  I've been learning to just laugh. I have also been blessed with a father that is one of the funniest men I know, and brothers that all have a fine sense of humor as well! Sometimes it annoys me when they make a joke at a poor time, but I really just need to laugh.  I also am learning to laugh at myself.  I'm weird.  I have quirks.  I am plain ridiculous sometimes.  Praise god I can laugh!

And laugh, really laugh.  Because funny stuff is happening all around you. (Sometimes because of you.)

This picture ALWAYS makes me either laugh or smile. Just sayin'. :)