What is Humility
We are told in Alma 32:14-16:
“Because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
“He that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble. . .”
My husband and I went out to look for a certain piece of furniture. We have been looking for this piece for about a year now but still have not purchased it. We decided to try one store that we had never been to and felt very good that something was going to happen and by the end of our excursion we would have our dilemma solved and a purchase made.
We visited the store and I waited for just what I wanted to jump out at me, I had faith that Heavenly Father would give me what I wanted . . . but there was nothing. We decided to try a store we have been into several times but still nothing.
Frustrated as the hour was getting late and all the stores were closing we went out for ice cream. Derek suggested a store that isn't know for it's quality but known for good prices. Being mad and frustrated I agreed to go to the store.
As we drove my mind raced of what it would be like to have a piece of furniture from that store. I was ashamed and embarrassed that we would be getting furniture from there and wondered what my friends would think.
When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised by one piece of furniture that I thought maybe I could consider purchasing. We measured it and it was the first piece we had found that would fit in the space we had designated. But I was still hesitant to purchase it because of where it was coming from.
There was a young woman also admiring the piece and she talked about how she was saving up for this piece of furniture. I was immediately humbled. Here I was considering this piece but too puffed up in pride to be grateful for it.
The thought flashed through my mind that I should buy this piece for this young woman who's husband is employed at the store. I didn't say anything to Derek but he could tell I was upset. Trying to comfort me he suggested that we purchase the piece for the young woman. I explained my feelings and it was decided that we would purchase it for the couple. The sales woman was brought to tears and the couple was speechless but more importantly Derek and I were "compelled to be humble." To realize that we were being way too picky and way too ungrateful.
We left the store with empty hands but a full and humbled heart. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to let me feel pain in order to teach me how to be a better person.
“Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others”
Gordon B. Hinkley
Click Here to get your copy of this beautiful quote.
Sometimes God gives us pain to teach us. He compels us to be humble that we might learn better how we should live. All He does for us is really for our best interest. As we trust Him we will be happy.
