“True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue.”
― Martin Luther
Welcome to February! Our character trait this month is Humility. At SLO Classical Academy, we recognize the power and the importance of humility. It is not easy to see true humility modeled among our leaders and ‘popular personalities’ of our culture. The word humility can also sometimes have negative connotations because of words and phrases associated with it, like humiliation, “to be humbled” or “eating humble pie”. No one wants to be humbled or humiliated by others. Humility is a personal choice that we make to think more of others and less of ourselves.
SLO Classical Academy defines it as:
Humility: Knowing, accepting, and being who we are while demonstrating modesty about our accomplishments and gifts, admitting mistakes, and valuing others for who they are and for their input.
Catch Phrase: Admit mistakes and cheer others on.
Forging Humility:
Use the prompts below for personal reflection and/or as discussion starters to help spark meaningful conversations with your family about this month’s character trait.
- What do you think of when you think of humility? How does your definition compare to the SLOCA definition of humility?
- What part of the SLOCA definition of humility do you find the easiest to do? What is the hardest?
- Why is it often hard to admit our mistakes?
- If pride is the opposite of humility, is it wrong to be proud of oneself? Can you be proud and modest at the same time?
- Why is humility essential to relationships?
- What’s the difference between being humble and being humbled? (Other than the one letter.)
- Ask your kids how it makes them feel when someone wrongs them but is not willing to admit their mistake. Take the conversation further by asking why they think some people are not willing to admit they are wrong. Is it simply pride, embarrassment, disappointment in themselves, something else altogether?
- Model humility to your kids by admitting your own mistakes. This can be a hard one for parents sometimes. Remember though, that it is important for our kids to not only see that we are not perfect but to be given examples of how to handle mistakes starting with the first step, admitting you made one.
- Cheer each other on! Make it a habit to praise others. Challenge your kids each day to tell you about something notable someone else did. Be sure to have them not only share it with you, but also, if possible, with the person they saw doing it.
- Remind them that humility is not being self-deprecating. Just as we would not want them saying anything negative about someone else, do not allow them to say negative things about themselves. Cheer them on and help them identify their gifts if they are struggling to see them.
Print Outs:
Print out your own Humility coloring page or poster to use for display in your home this month.
Humility always begins in our hearts. As a result, it offers significant control over attitude, outlook, and actions. It has nothing to prove, but everything to offer.
— Joshua Becker
For more on humility, check out this well-done article by Joshua Becker — The Hidden Power of Humility.
