Dear child be humble
but don’t shrink for others
your enthusiasm
will light up your way
curiosity will lead you
follow your desires
God knows your heart
He will not lead you astray
though the world will try
to stomp out your light
trample your hope
and put out your flame
ignite hearts with your passion
the worthy will love you
even if others
may push you away
but please child remember
you are the image of God
a fractal of love
and so are the others
you’ll meet along the way
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Reflection:
Humility is not thinking that we are less than others, putting ourselves down in the presence of others, or allowing ourselves to be put down by others. It is not to be smaller, weaker, or less intelligent than we actually are, just so that other people feel more comfortable. Humility is seeing ourselves as right-sized, as if through God’s eyes. It is to know both how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things, but also how truly special, miraculous, and beloved we are, a fractal of divine nature made in the very image and likeness of Godself.
God did not create us for us diminish our own existence, our presence, and our potential. He created us out of and for love, to be the most powerful expression of creativity, enthusiasm, and aliveness we can possibly be. God created us for love, not shame. As he said to Adam and Eve in the garden, “Why are you hiding… Who told you you were naked” (Genesis 3:9-11)? In other words, God is saying, “I did not make you to be ashamed, even in your nakedness. Even at your most vulnerable, exposed, and fragile, I still love you exactly as you are. I made you exactly as you are. Be who you are.”
Question for Meditation:
How can I live with humble confidence—honoring God’s image in myself and others—without shrinking or dimming the light God has placed within me?
Related Bible Verse:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
For Further Reading:
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Lectio Divina: Capable Of Spirit — a reflective meditation on trusting God’s hidden work within us and walking by faith rather than by sight.
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