False Pride

Proud

as a

peacock,

uglier

than a

platypus,

but when

we look into the mirror, we see perfection.

So many want to practice one-upmanship.

Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.

Have not been there, have not done that,

found the t-shirt at a rummage sale.

To paraphrase Og Mandino, put a fist into a pail of water,

then remove the fist, the hole remaining in the water will

attest to the correct measure of our importance.

We are important in the eye of our Higher Power.

We are on this earth to do the will of a Higher Power.

The will of a Higher Power is to love the Universe,

exactly as it is, and if possible try to make it a better

place for all souls to dwell in or upon.

However, becoming important in our own eyes is when we

are setting ourselves up for the fall.

Be proud, but do not become arrogant.

Be proud, but do not become overbearing.

Be proud, but do not become vain.

Be proud, but do not become supercilious.

Pride makes us esteem ourselves;

vanity desires the esteem of others.

Be good.

Humbly thank a Higher Power who provides all that

we need and even some of the things we want.

Friends do not have things, they have kindness, love,

compassion, empathy and all the feelings that when shared

support the reasons for living.

You do not have to brag about having been there

when you go there with a friend.

You do not have to brag about having done that

when you did it with a friend.

T-shirts do not last forever and most do not flatter the body.

Have some pride, dress appropriately.

Have some pride, do not hide behind the make up and the tattoos.

Have some pride, learn when not to speak.

Do not be afraid to swallow your pride, it is not fattening.

Balance, too much humility is pride.

Say please and thank you and prepare to move on.

Live in today and be proud to be exactly the way God

wants you to be.

Happiness is helping someone help themselves.

Iris and ME (Michael Erb)