Humility

[fatesfolly]

I had to address one of the women's groups soon after beginning this job. The organizer asked me to speak on the topic of me and my position here at the church. She asked that I keep the talk to about 20 minutes. I laughed to myself. Did that mean I had to stretch what I was going to say to be about 20 minutes since I knew I could sum up everything in about 3?

Anyway, the day of my talk approached. I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn't know how I wanted to say it. I'm a writer, an editor, a designer, an artist, a photographer. I communicate. Why was I having trouble with the outline of this speech?

One night shortly before I was to give the speech, I sat down in front of the tv and was inspired. Charlotte's Web was on, and though I love the movie, I adored the book. It occurred to me that at the church, I was Charlotte. The business of religion can get messy and not everyone is happy all the time. In fact, clergy are notorious for being difficult to insure because of the health problems, both mentally and physically, associated with dealing with a congregation and their needs. Top this off with a Summer of controversy in the National Church.

I went to the bookstore, purchased a paperback of the book and brought it home. I scanned in 4 of the drawings and blew them up to use as props. Charlotte had used words to influence and communicate. I did that. Her first design brought attention to Wilbur with "Some pig." My job brings attention to the life of the church.

I went on throughout the talk, explaining the different goals I saw for this job. Finally, I ended with Charlotte's last gift. In her final days, she wove a web with the simple word, "Humble." There was no drawing for this, so I scanned the cover art from the book, typed the word "humble" and drew a web around the words.

I explained that while doing my job, living my life, being a servant, I always tried to be humble. I ended the speech with a Bible verse about the first being the last and looked up to see the crowd of women smiling at me.

After the talk, I brought my props back to my office. I recycled the construction paper backings and white paper of all of the props but the last one. That one, I hung on my bulletin board by my door.

I enter and leave my office, looking at this poster. It reminds me that in all things, be humble.

Sometimes though, I forget. I forget it's not all about me. I forget to have patience. I forget that though I am the center of my universe, I am not the center of any one else's universe.

Comments

[snoopylova.livejournal.com]

you right its all about Meeeeeeeeeee j/k ;-)
I'm the center of my dogs universe...my brother is more of the black hole.