June 18
Whoever makes himself low like the levelled floorboard is trodden on by feet — and yet he bears the whole house. Humility that endures stands firmer than the proud tower.
The Temple (freely rendered)
Listening mode
Whoever makes himself low like the levelled floorboard is trodden on by feet — and yet he bears the whole house. Humility that endures stands firmer than the proud tower.
There is a kind of restraint that others are glad to leave to you. When you give way in a group, take on the unpopular task or settle a quarrel without being proved right yourself, rarely does anyone thank you. After a while they simply count on it.
From outside it is hard to tell why you act this way. Perhaps the matter means more to you than your standing. Perhaps you shy away from disagreement and the brief chill that would hang in the room afterwards. Both look like modesty, and in both cases the work goes on. Often even you don't notice the difference.
It becomes clearer when you imagine saying no for once. If the thought stays calm, your giving way may well be a decision. If it frightens you, perhaps something is holding on to you rather than you holding something up. The same gesture can be strength or fear, and sometimes, for a while, it is both.
The next morning you may take on the task anyway. This time, though, you know you could also have turned it down. The others don't know.
