Humbleness

Recently, I have been reflecting on humbleness especially related to the work at Ninos. It is not the most prestigious type of work at times. It is taking the children to school or picking them up from school. It is helping to brush teeth after lunch. It is changing diapers that are filled with poop at times. It is answering questions about homework and having absolutely no idea how to write roman numerals. It is true. This did happen to me and I deferred to another colleague who was able to help more than I could. It is making sure that all of the kids finish their food without throwing the vegetables at the ground. It is listening and not knowing what is being said. It is trying to calm down a screaming and crying child without losing your patience. All of these are my own experiences of being a volunteer at Ninos. And yet, each experience gives me an opportunity to serve.

What does it mean to be humble or even practice humility? For me, humility is not a form of inferiority or passivity. Nor is humility a way of accepting popular opinion. Humility rather is confronting each situation with compassion. It is do it with joy and zeal in your heart. It is about giving and being in service others. It is about being present and attentive to others. It is interacting in mutuality with others. At the root of humility is the desire to serve one another, not to seek status and power. In Ninos, we all do this on a daily basis.

Clare