Humility

Humility is one of the major Marist Virtues.  Most of us don't have to work hard at it, because we are constantly being reminded that we are not in control, we are not God.  When the kitchen sink faucet handle comes off in your hands and it takes 20 minutes to find a temporary solution; when for us "tech freaks" the internet is "down" and we cannot get our work done;  or, in some cases, even in today's advanced state auto perfection, the car won't start...we know that we are not in control.  We need these humbling events to keep us on track.
I see so many gifted students each day, who excel in academics or athletics, and yet remain very humble and seek to minimize the praise that people give them; I am encouraged to see that this Marist virtue has already be inculcated in them.  Yes, we strive to do our very best, but we realize that what we do achieve is a combination of what we accomplish and what we have received from others, and ultimately from God.  An extremely gifted freshman began a conversation with me saying how much he owed his parents, and how grateful to them he was, as well as to coaches and mentors during those difficult "middle school" years.  It was so refreshing to see a young man with that perspective and insight.  May we find time today to render thanks to God and to those who have influenced us in the course of our lives to help bring us to the point where we are now.
Bro. Rene