“Whom do you admire?” It saddens me that an answer doesn’t come easily to me. When I was young, I admired all manner of people – rock stars, teachers, politicians, TV actors, scientists, activists, writers, you name it.
Nowadays not so much.
I admire certain aspects of many people, but finding an admirable whole is harder, especially a person in the public arena. I do admire the heck out of Barack Obama. He’s one of a kind, a class act, and I’m so, so grateful he pulled us out the mess we were in after the Bush years. I’d vote for a third term in a flash.
Four More Years!
Other than Barack? Hmmm…
The virtue I most admire is humility, and it’s very hard to find. I am quick to identify a person’s need for approval, recognition, honor, esteem, or affection, and it turns me off big-time. The pathological version of this represented by Donald Trump utterly repulses me. Why? Because those needs are so very strong in me, and I can’t stand them! I want God to remove them immediately. But I fear the reason I long for humility in myself is at least partly so that other people will admire my humility. Which is probably why God lets me stew in my neediness.
Sigh.
Famous people aside, there are a number of humble people in my church that I admire, some suffering with disease or depression or physical pain, some teaching in troubled, low-income school districts, some caring for elderly parents, some carrying unimaginable grief, some sacrificing their time and freedom to adopt or foster or mentor needy kids. I am glad for these role models.
Thanks to WordPress for the word prompt: Admire, and I’ll leave you with Mother Theresa’s advice on cultivating humility:
To speak as little as possible of one’s self.
To mind one’s own business.
Not to want to manage other people’s affairs.
To avoid curiosity.
To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.
To pass over the mistakes of others.
To accept insults and injuries.
To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked.
To be kind and gentle even under provocation.
Never to stand on one’s dignity.
To choose always the hardest.”
Writing with Spirit 
Jul 30, 2016 @ 21:59:37
Jesus! The Living One! Can’t be beat! The Most Awesome! Perfect Wisdom! Power above all others! Awe Amazing! Inspiring! Creative! Full of Wonder, pours our Love beyond words, healing, freedom and such peace, stillness, and a rest, selah, that is beyond anything of this world! No one even compares!
Jul 30, 2016 @ 16:00:20
I can really relate to what you’ve written. My idea of admiration is so complex it is even hard for me to comprehend. Amazing post, I’m waiting for more.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 17:13:26
Thank you! I like the Daily Prompt, it gets me thinking.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 15:14:12
Khizr Khan and his wife, Ghazala
Jul 30, 2016 @ 17:12:47
Good one! Talk about class.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 15:10:06
Don’t avoid curiosity! This is what leads you to knowledge and wisdom.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 17:12:23
Isn’t that an interesting one? I had the same reaction. I think what she was getting at is that we should be content where we are, not always needing an explanation for every circumstance. Just be. But I agree, learning is the best!