This past weekend was an interesting one for me as I remembered and celebrated my mother’s passing on December 21, 2016. It was eight years ago when all my siblings, minus one, were present at her bedside.
As I went to Mass, I also prayed the Rosary. I’m reminded it was the same God yesterday as it is today. I thought about my mother’s conversations over the phone before she was admitted into Hospice and how she inspired me to follow my dreams. My mother shared many special occasions with me as I thought about the words “Know Thyself” in living out my purpose and following my dreams.
You and I have reminders every day about the authentic people we meet every day and our interactions with them displaying the qualities of “Know Thy Self.”
I believe we must also pray for those who have not learned the importance of “Know Thy Self” particularly as it relates to self-control.
Last week I mentioned Joy.
The song by Richard Smallwood “Center of My Joy” is an extension for me this week in “Know Thyself.”
My question to you is what does “Know Thyself” mean to you?
Here’s a brief explanation in case you need so help discerning the question.
What Is “Know Thyself” By Socrates? A Comprehensive Overview – DeepThinkers
Allow me to tell you a true story that happened a little over twenty years ago, while serving in the military. I had a closed-door conversation with my boss or my superior officer whereas I had to walk out of her office when she lost control. I simply said this conversation was over and walked out.
I was serving in the capacity of a Brigade Command Sergeant Major responsible for over a thousand soldiers. I learned then from that one incident that there was nothing I could not handle working for a tough boss for twenty-two of my twenty-four months in that position.
From that moment when I walked out of her office, I learned the importance of “Know Thyself” from that main incident.
I have continued, since then, to better understand and see life differently and live it daily.
Every day you and I learn various lessons about “Know Thyself” and don’t fully comprehend the magnitude of others around us.
This past weekend, my travels took me to Montgomery, AL on Friday, December 20, 2024, to attend a Black-Tie Event called the “HIM Awards.”
I was honored to be among some great men being recognized for various achievements. One of them was a friend who served in the military with me and had invited me to attend.
Little did I know that there would be two people sitting in the audience whose names would not be called for recognition because their awards were misplaced.
I could only imagine the disappointment in these two men bringing guests and family to this event and not being called on stage.
It was a prime example of “Know Thyself” as my friend sat quietly as his wife stepped out of her shoes when they said good night, knowing her husband’s name was not called to find out how this could happen.
Upon her return, we found out the other person ahead of her was indignant when his name was not called.
In the end, I was able to see in real-time what “Know Thyself” means.
When you believe it’s all about “HIM” and not about you, then you have a better understanding of who you are.
That following morning, only the two of us ate breakfast together at First Watch in Montgomery, AL, because his wife was headed to Atlanta.
To my friend, I’m known as his mentor, to me he is known as James, whom I’ve known since the mid-1990s.
Interestingly when our waiter Shawn greeted us, James asked various questions about what brought him to the Montgomery area.
It was from that three-minute casual conversation that I was able to see in real-time “Know Thyself” on a different level.
When Shawn returned with our food, James asked Shawn if he would remain and hear us bless the food and Shawn said yes.
For me, it was a truly humble experience about always being your authentic self regardless of how others act around you.
James didn’t get upset when his name was not called and showed grace to Shawn by being Light by also including his name in our blessing of the food that morning.
This is a true story, and although James paid the bill, I asked the manager to find Shawn and send him to our table again.
When Shawn returned, I stood up and gave him a $20 bill for his service and for making our day better with his presence.
Because I commute to Birmingham frequently, I have a favorite coffee stop. It’s the Shell Gas Station outside of Birmingham (Walker Chapel) off I-65.
It would serve as my final reminder of “Know Thyself” this weekend.
I stop here always because they are the only ones that have “Southern Pecan Coffee” when I need a good cup of coffee. Each time I stop, I always see the same attendant who runs the cash register, and I speak with her. Three months ago, she was suffering and in pain with a toothache, and I told her I hope you feel better.
Since then, I reminded her of our conversations and frequently asked her how she was doing.
This past Saturday was no different as I prepared to pay for my coffee and head back home when she said, “Is that all you’re getting?” and said don’t worry about it have a great day.
The kindness and generosity that I experienced was the final lesson in “Know Thyself” for me this week.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven”~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is so much power in those words that Ecclesiastes 3:1 is easily one of my favorite Bible verses to reflect on for life challenges.
Each of us will experience seasons of sadness, loss, joy, newness, and growth.
Whatever the season you are experiencing right now, you must be able to “Know Thyself” and be sure that this too shall pass.
I’ll close with this article I found interesting last Sunday morning in “Know Thyself” because of my roots and Cajun friends in Louisiana.
Louisiana man fighting to preserve Cajun history and culture | Louisiana Inspired | nola.com
This week as the Advent Season ends the fourth candle was lit symbolic of Love.
I learned many years ago you must first love yourself.
Today, as you finalize all your Christmas plans and finish any last-minute shopping, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect on what “Know Thyself” means to you?
Merry Christmas and safe travels for all those traveling this holiday season.
I pray that each one of you has a blessed and safe Merry Christmas!
