Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
When I was a child my parents had me on a special diet to control my ADHD. I know you are shocked that a together guy like me has ADHD! Anyway, the gist of the diet was that I couldn't eat anything with artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in it. Basically they controlled my hyperactivity by making me lethargic because that left nothing on earth for me to eat. Except healthy food, blech! Anyway again, that diet meant every Halloween I had a choice, skip the whole trick or treat experience or go anyway and give all the candy to my little brother and sister. Needless to say I am a little bitter about it!
What I didn't know was the discipline I learned while on that diet would help me become a better person. You see I had to learn humility pretty early in life. I could have chosen to be selfish and stay home. But my mother showed me the importance of choosing others by encouraging me to go out with my brother and sister and not only help them but also give away my winnings when I was done. It may seem simple or trite to you but let me tell you God wants us to remember the simple things. (see my reflection from last week)
Tomorrow we celebrate All Saints Day. I think it's cool that today's readings look like a roadmap to sainthood. How can you put someone else first today?
