In his book The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren shares this thought: “True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

In my late teens and early 20s, I was not the person God was calling me to be. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would say something like this: Boy, try to have a little more patience and humility. Perhaps, if I had been less selfish and more grateful, some memories wouldn’t be tainted with such cringe-worthy behavior.

A country song from years back, Humble and Kind, was made famous by Tim McGraw, but written and also recorded by one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Lori McKenna (whose version I prefer). Written from the perspective of a mother giving advice to her children, the words are simple and at the same time profound.

The chorus begins: “Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind.”

This is a mom who has been through a lot, has much to say, and doesn’t want her children to make the same mistakes she’s made. But she keeps returning to humility and kindness, as if to say that everything else will fall into place if you can live out these virtues.

What is it that keeps us from being humble and kind?

Often, it’s our own fears and insecurities or our blind ambitions. We tend to focus on our own wants, our own problems, and our own dreams, and we miss the opportunities to be there for each other and do what’s right despite the personal cost. Our pride, our envy, and our inward focus blind us to the needs of others and the ways that God is working in our lives.

Scripture calls us to imitate Christ’s humility. The Son of God went all the way down as far as He could go for our sake.

In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul writes: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:3-5).

We are only on earth for a small amount of time, and yet, it’s easy to lose focus and take so much for granted. When I finally grew to be more mature, my perspective changed, and the struggles of life were bearable. I recognize how small I am but also that St. Paul was right when he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Our disposition not distance keeps us away from God. Humility is the foundation that leads us to prayer.

In June, we celebrate Father’s Day, and being a good dad is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of humility to be a good husband and a good father. We have a great role model of humility in St. Joseph. The foster father of Jesus demonstrates for us silent obedience, selfless service, and total submission to God’s will without seeking any recognition. He placed his family’s needs before his own—that’s a dad!

This month, I’ll leave you with some final advice from Lori McKenna’s beautiful song:

“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re going, turn right back around and help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.”