It’s said: “Nothing is more powerful than humility, for it can never be conquered.” Along life’s path we encounter many people, yet most grand among those we meet are the meek! Their dealings are simple, lacking not profundity and a love carrying deep faith that all humans are God’s creations, and that there is indeed no difference between one human and the next; humanity is linked entirely by a single life, during which it seeks progress, success and construction.
A meek person is not necessarily weak, as some may believe. He, in addition, is truly aware of his potential, talents and believes they are gifts of God for him; to be utilized in all honesty to serve others, his society and himself. You never find him boasting about these talents or works, fishing for praise, instead he gives thanks to the Lord, offering every person their dues.
A humble person tolerates the troubles of others, perhaps even their repugnant manners, in the utmost sweetness, amicability and long-suffering.
A young man sensed deep sorrow and melancholy, accompanied by raging anger, due to his father’s hot-tempered behavior and actions that cause him and the family a great deal of embarrassment during his moments of fury. Until the household became a living hell, due to problems. This young man was not the sole sufferer, the entire family agonized as they couldn’t deal with the father at all, wincing at his harsh injurious words, that embarrass them in front of their neighbors and friends, who started refraining from visiting them!
One day, the young man left home, bearing his woes, not knowing where he was headed, until he arrived at some public park, which was very quiet after all visitors had left, being close to sunset. Silence hovered over the place and this young man’s thoughts wandered in perplexity, seeking peace amidst the serenity enveloping him. All of a sudden, the youth burst into tears, uttering some words of which only to be understood were: “O Lord!”, when a man over fifty approached the weeping youth, and sat by his side, until he calmed down slightly. Then he addressed him: “Life isn’t worth living with all this pain.” The young man wondered whether to speak all his emotions and agony to this stranger, or keep his silence! Yet, he could not stop the flow of words that rushed out from his lips, expressing his deep pain at his father’s actions towards his entire family.
The man listened to him, and no sooner had he finished speaking than he asked: “Do you wish to help your father and your family?” The response came: “For sure”. He said: “Then, carry out your responsibilities towards him!” The young man said with puzzlement all over his features: “My responsibility? I don’t get what you mean!!” The man clarified that he had a responsibility towards his family and father, and that through a few simple means, one can influence humans to seek change for the flaws in themselves. The young man did not grasp the man’s intent, which he seemed to sense so he continued: “The anger and fury we see in some people’s behavior might require only a few kind words to overcome them. Let me ask you: Have you ever met your father with a smile? Did you usually converse with him while making him feel your love of him? Do you offer him a helping hand without being asked? Son, true, honest love within a meek person’s heart has the power to change, for it bears within it the love of God. Moreover, pleasantry and soft delicate words can shatter rocks of fury. In your life, be: humble, loving, rushing to speak sweet words to everybody, after which many rocks hampering your journey through life will vanish.” The young man replied: “I’ve understood and I’ll try.” He returned to his home and life deeply carrying within him the words of that sage man he met along life’s path, to commence a new phase of his journey.
Perhaps, dear reader, you seek the story’s conclusion. You may wonder, what could be the end, or rather the start of a journey full of humility, love and pleasantry? The journey of life extends before us toward many types of humans. Each shouldering many a heavy burden. Extend towards them the bridges of hope and joy, with kind soft words during their furious tempests, and spread a sail of love to carry the ship towards the real harbor, for love, combined with sweetness and amiability from a meek heart are the extended path towards happiness!
Bishop Ermia
