Entitlement vs Humility

I have watched many leaders rise and fall. Some have risen through a deliberate, calculated strategy to increase their platform. Others have reluctantly stepped into a position of influence by Divine appointment and encouragement of people who have gained from their wisdom. In my experience, those who have seemed destined to fall are those who have believed they deserved to be on top -- that someone owes them. Those who enjoy, a little too much, the benefits that come from position. Those who have isolated themselves from people who can tell them the truth about themselves. This is a cautionary lesson for us all. May we never feel we deserve the favor and privilege we receive. May we view ourselves accurately and humbly. May we eagerly give back to others who haven’t had the easy access to influence. May we not keep a morsel of privilege for our own egos. [It seems to me that those who pause to help others on their climb are the ones who have many hands to pull them up when they need it.]

Photo: The Space Needle Seattle Center taken on a recent visit to one of my favorite cities, the location of my first “real” job working at HUD in downtown Seattle.