Humbly Proud?

I may like to think of myself or appear to be a generous, giving, caring person.  But let me be the first to admit…I struggle with selfishness!  Oh how our selfish nature always finds a spot to sliver us in the side.  It seems to always bring our focus back on ourselves…what I don’t have…my excuses…what I feel like I deserve or am entitled to.  Me me me,….. I, I, I.  I may not be trying to puff myself up or show how great I am…but it is still pride.  “Woe is me” is not being humble.   When I focus on me…it is pride.  I have heard and like to use this phrase often…

"Humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less".

I have been looking at me too hard for too long.  How can I be motivated or changed when I look to myself for that change and challenge? My only hope comes from He who created me.  He knows every fiber of my being.  He knows how I tick, what defeats me and what motivates me.  Why do we struggle so hard to “get on track” with our lives and leave Him out?  Granted, it is never intentional to do it alone…I just happen to wallow in a struggle of defeat one day and realize…have I invited God into my mess today?   He wants what is best for us but He also knows when we need a kick in the pants…which I find I often do. J  When will I learn from other’s mistakes? He knows I learn best from personal failings I guess…lucky me.

 May I look to You, Lord , when defeat grips me. For only You have the power to change, to heal, to move me forward to be who you created me to be.   She IS in there.  A spirited giving woman empowered by joy and passion with a big vision to see what capabilities lay ahead to utilize and accomplish great things.  To not take up space or survive, but to THRIVE and see what you see in me!  To move without regret, without judgment, without “I can’t”, without envy, without selfishness, without believing the lies I conjure up or get thrown at from the world. God’s love and vision for me is greater!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won; May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!Heart of my own heart, whatever befall; Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

Be Thou my Vision

Re-versed in English by Eleanor HullTraditional Irish Hymn