Praise Humilty and Grace

There is a female cantor, at the church closest to my house, with one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Once, after an excruciatingly beautiful Ave Maria, I rushed up to her and thanked and told her how beautiful it was and how much it meant to me.

Her reaction surprised me. She pretty much recoiled from me and blushed painfully and was so uncomfortable I felt bad I had mentioned it. She was sweet but definitely uncomfortable with my praise.

I'm a little slow, so it took me awhile to realize her true beauty was her complete and utter humility, her complete and utter lack of pride. It occurred to me that had she reacted with pride, the pure gift of her voice would somehow have been sacrificed to her ego at my doing.

So now, when I am blessed enough to hear her sing, I just close my eyes and listen to the pure and clear voice of Love streaming through her. I thank God for the beauty he put inside of her to share His Glory with everyone who can hear.

I am not saying we should not encourage each other and compliment sincerely, we should... I am not saying we should all act with that kind of extreme humility when receiving a compliment, most of us can't at this point - especially not me.

I am just recognizing, no, I am praising the Grace inside of her gifts - that in of itself inspires.

Peace
Keren