Humility's habits
1. I have no right to critique anyone if I can't first celebrate him. Celebration comes before critique. There is a musician's motto: three strokes for each poke. If I can't say three positive things about somone and lift him/her up with prayer and thanksgiving to God, I have no warrant for complaint.
2. I should not argue with anybody until I can state their position back to them in such a way that they approve.
3. Listen to friends for confidence and courage but listen to enemies for wisdom and information. L.L. Bean uses this formula: there are twenty-five complains for every one you hear. Multiply every criticism you hear by twenty-five. That's the reality you live under.
4. Recognize it's my choice: will I spread kudos or kudzu? Kudos are compliments. Kudzu are complaints and criticisms that spread...like kudzu. Kudzu eventually covers everything and chokes the life out of whatever it touches.
Len Sweet: SoulSalsa, 108.
