A Prime Minister's Pointed Finger#
Alfred Deakin was a rare person. He lived a life where each chapter began with one outstanding achievement or another.
This barrister, journalist and second Australian Prime Minister was born - August 3rd, 1856.
Deakin was a man described and remembered as unusually modest, indeed circumspect. Cut of noble stature he declined all offers of titles and distinctions in the firm belief of his unworthiness. Deakin carried the concern too that such awards may compromise his integrity and independence.
Alfred Deakin - yesterday's humble high achiever would still be uncomfortable when we extend our index finger to his successes today. His index finger would surely guide elsewhere.
However, should we follow his pointed finger he may direct us to his Book of Prayer and Praise:
"Please God - grant me the sincerity of soul to slight nothing, neglect nothing, and spare nothing that may enable me to be just and kind to all about me. If my life cease now or my public career come to a speedy end; if all large or notable work be put beyond me - let me at least as son, brother, husband, father, friend and citizen carry into all these relationships and to all my private life the spirit of sacrifice, of self-conquest, of aspiring zeal and of true unselfishness. Give me of Thy great eternal and all-embracing love enough to guide me in my home and business to make them worthy of Thy constant presence."
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
Humility is seizing the opportunity to not establish merit.
Today's Soul Snippet:
"Humility is becoming what you have despised and realising that you were wrong." ~ Michael Cartwright
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#Reproduced and edited by SoulSupply with kind permission from an original speech written by Dr Stuart Quarmby