Recently at a book signing for The Company, I was very nervous. Everything was ready -- nice podium, comfortable chair, book trailer playing in the background, posters of the book cover and me looking like I knew what I was doing. But wild thoughts raced in my head: What if no one comes...or they hate the book...or I run out of ink...or I forget how to spell my name? Oh Lord, what if no one comes?!?

One hour had been set aside. I sat down in the comfy chair, took out my pen bought especially for the event, and waited. Immediately people began lining up, and they had smiles on their faces! They wanted to talk about the book and ask me questions. Many even thanked me for writing The Company.

Three hundred books and two hours later...yes, two hours...I signed my last. Why had I been so nervous? This was great. They loved me! And at that moment I was the greatest author of all time!

I gathered up the few things I'd brought, thanked the people in charge, and, might I say, was feeling pretty good about myself. Then I noticed a lady hurrying toward me. She had a copy of my book and looked a little panicky. Poor thing. She must have gotten here late. Well, can't disappoint my fans. I took out my trusty pen and gave her a great big "I know what you want" smile.

"Can you help me?" she gasped.

"Why, I'd be delighted."

"Where's are the restrooms?"

I used my trusty pen to point her in the right direction, then quickly put it away.

Ah, humility. Along with patience, it is one of the things I purposefully do not pray for. No need really. God gives me an abundance of opportunities to learn it. I suspect He even delights in doing so.

Paul once wrote, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12) He even described it a bit-bearing with each other, forgiving, covering it all with love (vv. 13-14). So we're to focus humility on the "chosen people"? Nope. As he told Titus, we're to show true humility toward all people (Titus 3:2).

This humility has nothing to do with weakness. It's our attitude, how we see ourselves and the world. In humility, we do not hold ourselves as better than others or seek only our best interests. We become involved in the lives of those around us and what's in their best interests. Peter noted something else about humility.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.1 Peter 5:5b-7

A life of humility brings God's grace. When we're humble, He lifts us up. And in our humility, all our anxiety -- fears, worries, nervousness -- are taken from our shoulders and placed on His. This is the life to which we have been called. We can live and enjoy that life...right now. And never has it has been more important for the world to see and experience the humility of God's people.