Walk In Dry Places February 18

Shining shoes for Subordinates
Growing in Humility

Did you ever hear of a man named Samuel Logan Brengle? He was a Salvation Army office whose spiritual consciousness was legendary. But he didn’t start that way. A gifted ministerial student of the nineteenth century, he joined the Salvation Army only to find himself sent to a cellar to clean the shoes of other cadets, most of them far below him in learning and intelligence.

Brengle used that humbling experience to conquer his pride and resentment. He later recalled the utter joy he felt as he cleaned the shoes and prayed for each person. Later on, Brengle became an inspiration to thousands.

It’s not likely any of us will have to clean shoes for subordinates today. What’s more likely is that we’ll encounter situations that would our pride or churn up resentment. We can turn any such experience into an opportunity for growth by praying to see God’s hand in the matter and refusing to fight about it. The peace and serenity we feel is our reward, and, like Brengle, we’ll become better people who can be of real service to others.

Somebody may come to me today with something that makes my blood boil. I won’t be a doormat, but I will remember that I always have the choice of making anything a positive experience. 

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