Humility

I used to think that I was kind of smart. I graduated summa cum laude. I had a so-called "professional" career. And truth be known, I was probably a little arrogant about it. Oh, not outwardly. I always tried to be kind and generous, and not hurt anyone's feelings.
But sometimes when I would be talking with someone I didn't know well, and the topic of conversation was one in which I felt pretty well versed, I would find myself thinking that I really knew more on the subject than the other person. Of course that was only from my perspective. But because I had that thought, I would kind of mentally dismiss the person. The fact that they may well have known a great deal more than I did about everything else, really wasn't a consideration. I didn't give myself the chance to find out. And so I ended up being the big loser.
If I had just gotten out of the way of my ego, I would have likely benefited in numerous ways. And who knows, the other person may have benefited from what I could have brought to the table. Hopefully I've learned a little over the years. And at the top of the list is the realization of how limited my knowledge actually is. (Being in WA has certainly emphasized that fact.) So, here's to a little humility!
Kip