I used to feel cautious about humility as a virtue, thinking it was one you really didn't want to focus on to much. I remember a Sacrament Meeting talk when I was young where someone joked about how we must be careful about what we pray for - especially when it comes to humility! That would certainly be asking for trouble. I made a note never to pray for humility.
Thankfully though, humility has grown much in favor with me over the years. I have noticed that meekness and lowliness of heart are among the sweetest and most joyful of experiences, and I think the reason is because they effectively get us to move our own awkward selves out of the way, thereby opening up to our view the the magnificence of the glory of the Father and his Holy Son! With pride, there is no way their lovliness and beauty can enter in. Meekness and lowliness of heart are gifts that we give to ourselves so we don't miss this splendor of love and power and grace that our selfish selves quite effectively obscure.
How grateful I am that those who embody mercy and power and light are always there, fully available to minister to us! How grateful I am for their kindness and their patience and their love.
Meekness and lowliness of heart are best obtained through sincere study and prayer, and a burning desire to do the Father's will. They are gifts of the Spirit, rewards for purity and having our hearts right soft and right. Seeking unto meekness and to do the Lord's will bring humility and peace... and eventually the sincerest desired of our hearts - His holy presence to behold!
I am so grateful for these gifts....
