How many times have I tried to look bigger in the eyes of my friends, family or co-workers? Look at me! I am good, I can do this, I have accomplished that! Scared not to be noticed or loved.
Benedict is comparing the way of humility to the angels’ ascending and descending of the Jacob’s Ladder in Scripture.
(…) if we wish to attain the highest point of humility (…), we must by what we do to attain it set up that ladder which appeared in Jacob’s dream and by which angels were shown to be both descending and ascending; for without doubt we are not to understand that descending and ascending but as descending by exaltation and ascending by humility.-
So in fact I will be raised up when I am humble and put down when I am prideful and boasting. An interesting paradox to chew on.
This week I will practice humility by….[fill in the blank for yourself]
Peace,
Ester
Simple & Inspired Living 
Hi Ester,
How are you doing; living the Benedictine way? Do you notice some progress in this wonderful challenge?
Your post did inspire me again. Thanks! This time I’ve focused myself at “Imitating Christ’s Humility” from the Scripture. Once I’ve used next words in my prayers because of a huge problem with somebody. So, the past two weeks I’ve tried to keep these words in my mind:
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness of compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves”. (Philippians 2: 1 – 3)
The past two weeks I’ve also tried to be a ‘servant’; by not standing up for my rights in the first place. This is really a challenge for me. For example; I had to deal with pride. A lot of pride, I can tell you. Also I noticed my needs; I need a lot of attention 😉 Not really being “at home” by myself, last week …. But (!) there’s progress too… Healthy routines. Longing to be with Him in silence. Discipline in holding on; prayertime, two times each day. Mindfulness. So good. First of July a “new start” (not easy; leaving a congregation after 35 years). Looking forward to meet new people, want to learn and serve. God is near. He leads me wherever I go. My life is in His hands. I count my blessings!
Paul’s letter to the Philippians, for me this is difficult, but awesome stuff. One of my favourite’s is: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, witch transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4 : 6-7)
May these words encourage you….
Peace and blessings,
‘Despair Is A Choice’