A Litany of Humility
In the college world you are continuously striving to excel. Your grades, applications, internships and connections are all a reflection of your abilities and achievements. Many say they don't care about their grades or what internships they get, but there is a frenzy happening in the senior class where many are scrambling to submit resumes and get recommendations for jobs or grad schools.
Yeah, you say you don't care...but I see you.
While I am not necessarily applying for schools or looking at jobs just yet, I still strive to achieve. I want to do well and to be recognized for the various experiences and grades that I have worked hard to have under my belt.
Whether or not you are a college senior, we all have those things we are striving for; financial stability, a successful job, the approval of our parents, a specific academic degree, independence from needing others, etc. Success can be measured in any combination of these things and personally, there are a few on this list that I wouldn't mind achieving.
But I heard this prayer sung at a concert this past week and it seems to turn success a bit upside-down. This method of thinking lays praise, honor, approval and many other desires at the feet of Jesus so that "others may be chosen" and "others may be praised". Wouldn't this form of thinking make for an awkward American culture? "No, please, you take this investment money. I don't need it. In fact, take whatever you need. I'll take what is left." Or "No, no, I wouldn't like to be promoted. Janice is a hard worker and would benefit from this position instead of myself. You should give it to her."
It even felt awkward to type because this is not what we are engrained to strive after. We need new cars, updated iphones, trendy clothing and a shiny personality to match. But after reading the prayer below I have been haunted by the words and have been forced to rethink how I am approaching success.
May it challenge your thinking as well.
Litany of Humility
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the desire of comfort and ease,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being criticized,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being passed over,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being lonely,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being hurt,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of suffering,
Deliver me, O Lord.
From the fear of being rejected,
Deliver me, O Lord.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it;
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it;
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it;
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Make my strength like unto thine. Amen