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I asked my husband if he was up for a road trip this summer, and without skipping a beat, he suggested Banff. It’s our usual spot, and honestly, I should have seen it coming. We’ve been there so many times, yet somehow, we never tire of going back.
My love for Banff started when I was about 10 years old. Mom and Dad took our family on a road trip to see the mountains on the west side of Alberta. It was the first time any of us had seen a mountain, and of course, we took a ride in the gondola. Mom stayed down below—she’s wasn’t a fan of heights—while my sisters, Dad, and I ascended the mountain. The view from above was absolutely breathtaking. The sheer scale and majesty of the mountain’s rugged peaks, stretching endlessly into the distance, is a testament to the grandeur of God’s creation, which I won’t soon forget.

When you stop to think about it, you realize it’s the valleys that define the mountains and accentuate their greatness. After all, without valleys, the land would simply be flat. And when you ask yourself what’s defining the valley, you discover it’s the gentle river flowing through it.

It’s amazing how some of the lowest places on earth hold the greatest beauty, isn’t it? So it is with mankind. There’s beauty to be found in humility, as we echo the humbleness of our Lord. The Bible tells us, “It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:19 NIV)

Rivers can teach us a lot about the power of humility. The beautiful thing about rivers is how they quietly shape the land. Rather than seeking to carve a grand path through towering mountains, they find the lowest places, nourishing the land and sustaining life along their course. Though gentle and seemingly lowly, rivers possess great power over time. Their steady flow can carve deep valleys, change landscapes, and create lasting transformations.

Like a river, a humble person doesn’t seek to elevate themselves but instead serves and supports those around them. The river’s strength lies in its quiet persistence and the life it sustains, much like the quiet strength of a humble heart that uplifts others. This gentle, unassuming flow is a powerful reminder of the beauty and impact of humility when we let God work in and through us.

Looking at Genesis 33 in our study this week, we see the profound impact of humility in Jacob’s life. Despite their tumultuous history and the wedge that had come between them, Jacob made a conscious decision to humble himself before Esau. Demonstrating deep respect and submission, Jacob bowed to the ground seven times as he approached him. The important thing to remember here is that Jacob’s actions weren’t merely an attempt to seek forgiveness from Esau; they were an acknowledgment of the wrongs he had committed and the transformation within him.

In the same way, when we seek forgiveness from others, it’s not just about apologizing; it’s about humbly recognizing our mistakes and showing a genuine change in our attitudes and behaviors. Remember, in the same way that the gentle flow of a river can shape the hardest rock over time, a humble approach can transform a potentially hostile encounter into a moment of grace and unity.

Jacob’s humility softened Esau’s heart, leading to a beautiful and unexpected reconciliation. His actions remind us that humility is not a sign of weakness but a powerful force for healing and restoration.

This Week’s Printable

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