There was a Father with two young boys. He loved those boys and took care of their every need, even to the point of abundance.
The father found a supply of wood, and paint and wheels and other materials with which the young boys could build something of their choosing. So he put the materials in the garage where the two boys loved to play. Each boy discovered the trove of materials and quickly set about working, each independently. After a week of grueling effort, of building and tearing down and re-building, after fingers were smashed with hammers and knees were bruised from kneeling, finally the finishing touches were added that made each item a unique, personal expression of each boy. There in the garage were two well-made go-carts – – one was forest green built by the younger boy, and the other was a canary yellow car built by the older.
“Look what I did,” declared the older brother, to anybody who would listen. The Father nodded in appreciation at the finished go-cart. “I thought of the shape and I took the wood and cut, and sanded, and pieced them together. Then I added the wheels and tested the bearings to make it the fastest it could be. And I painted it my favorite color, the color of the sun that shines on me like a spotlight, and I put my favorite number on the front, and my initials on the back so whoever I pass in a race will know it was I who passed them. I’m going now to show it off to all my friends so they will know what a good builder I am.” Again, the Father nodded in recognition of the effort.
“Look what I did with the materials you gave me!” exclaimed the younger brother. “I wasn’t sure what I would build, but I knew that it had to be something on wheels since you included them with the other stuff. I designed it and carved the pieces and put them together. I painted it green to match our house and put our family name on the back so everybody will know who we are. Thank you Father for giving me this wonderful gift! Let’s go race it!”
The father embraced the young child and said, “I am so proud of you! Go on and show your friends, race your go-cart and enjoy! I’ll be along presently.”
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This is how I see pride, and the difference between a healthy pride and sinful pride. A sense of accomplishment, a feeling that fills you with joy or unabashed appreciation is not wrong. It’s only when we don’t acknowledge God’s hand in our lives, only when we attribute our success, accomplishments, etc. to our own doing that pride becomes sinful. God wants us to marvel at our achievements, since he’s involved in all our efforts, believers and unbelievers alike. He’s involved before we begin, involved during the process, and involved at the end. He does not want to be cut out from the event, from the celebration of the achievement. He’s in it with us. He wants us to share the moment.
We should seek the gifts god has given us, we should develop them, we should maximize their full potential. And we need to celebrate God’s glory, God’s generosity, God’s providence, God’s love and guiding hand. We are informed by God’s power and grace. Remember it and recognize it.
Be proud.
S.M Vigil 