Daily Devotion

HUMILITY

The word humble can be defined as being not proud or arrogant; being modest; courteously respectful. When we are humble, we can acknowledge our own shortcomings. When we are humble, we have more patience and mercy for the shortcomings of others. It was no coincidence that the theme of humility was introduced in our Daily Devotions for our last project at Tikkun Farm.

As work on their greenhouse continued, the task of placing and securing 4 6x6 posts to frame the two doorways of the greenhouse needed to be completed. While the initial post holes were dug, we had to enlarge them to fit the 6x6 posts that were purchased versus the 4x4 posts that were planned for. As we attempted to lift and place the first 6x6 post, it became clear that the vertical height and weight of the post overwhelmed our group and we needed to move and elevate some scaffolding to allow a couple of people to add muscle from above. Once we placed the first post in its post hole, we had to level it, which meant more adjustments. Finally, we had to find the hardware to attach the post to the frame of the greenhouse. 

Needless to say during this whole process, there were moments of frustration experienced by all team members. What seemed like a simple project – pick up a post and put it in pre-dug hole – took most of our day at Tikkun Farm. Each member of our group had to be patient with the project managers at Tikkun Farm as they made field adjustments in the moment to safely and securely lift and anchor these posts. Each project manager at Tikkun Farm had to be patient with our group when we didn’t quite understand the directions we were being given. Both our group and the project managers had to be humble in asking for help from other volunteers when it came to lifting the post. 

By the end of the day, 4 6x6 posts had been placed and anchored to the greenhouse frame and any prior frustration had been forgotten. We reflected on how we were collectively able to accomplish this task, that it wasn’t a moment to brag about “look at what the Good Shepherd group did”. We wouldn’t have been able to complete it unless we were willing to correct mistakes along and way and ask for help from others. We discussed if it is important for a Christian to be a humble person and if yes, what does that look like in the world of competitive college admissions? 

Ephesians 2: 8-10

 ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— ⁹not the result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Dear Lord, You have blessed each of us so that we can be a blessing to others. Help us all to be humble in the good works that we complete each and every day, no matter if they are big or small, done alone or with others. Amen.