“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

These are the most difficult words in Scripture. They address the fundamental human condition—our tendency to exalt ourselves. Beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, we have succumbed to the temptation to “be like God,” to substitute our will for God’s and to insist that we have everything under control. 

The secret to happiness lies in “letting go.” The more we cling to our way of doing things, the more we tell ourselves (and others) that we’re in charge, the more we risk being humiliated.  But if we can trust in God’s providence and not insist on doing things our way, the better chance we have of finding happiness and peace. 

Simple, but not easy.