Guest Column / Richard Etienne

Stay rooted where you are planted, grow in humility each day

I heard an inspiring homily recently on the concept of humility. It is my understanding that the word humble comes from the same root word as humus.

One definition of humus is “the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material.” I found this information most interesting.

To be “humble” is better understood as being grounded, connected to the Earth. My spiritual director often used the phrase, “Be where your feet are planted.”

Too often, I find myself ruminating over something in the past or anxious about some possible situation in the future. And although it is good to plan for the future—as well as periodically look in the rearview mirror for lessons from past decisions—it is also paramount that we are fully present in our current situation so God can work through us here and now.

Think about that: Do you truly pay attention to what is happening right now? I was prone to walking into walls (literally) when I was quite young. My siblings thought there was something seriously wrong with me. But, closer to the truth, I was probably preoccupied with pondering the universe or early understandings of chemistry or the theory of relativity. (There’s absolutely no humility in that thought!)

I recall asking for a chemistry set, a telescope and a microscope for Christmas presents. I wanted to know how everything worked! I could not get enough “science.” And yet, I needed to balance all of that inquiry with staying grounded in my immediate surroundings.

Like the roots of flowers and vegetable plants—which so many of us have been attending to at this time of year—a person must also stay “rooted” where they are planted. So, all of these musings about humility and being grounded are in distinct contrast to an often misunderstood reality that is sometimes called false humility.

When a person fakes humility—which in reality seems to call more attention to themselves—this is referred to as “false” humility. There is nothing humble about calling unnecessary attention to yourself.

What are a couple of lessons from Scripture that can teach us a little more about humility? In the Book of Micah, we read, “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mi 6:8). And in the Gospel of Matthew, we hear, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:12).

So, when you strive to become more humble, remember that you are made of earthy elements. Keep yourself better grounded so you won’t fly too close to the sun and get your wings singed—like Icarus—which is a story for another day!
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †