As much as I am able to have humility is as much as I can have the other virtues. Really hits home for me.
That's quite thought provoking Brigid..
Brigid the truth of that statement is undeniable and confirmed throughout Holy Scripture and by the saints down through the ages.
If we won't have humility then we won't have anything so it's worth studying exactly what humility is.
I have a list of some of the qualities to be found in the humble hearted which are derived from what the saints have taught on the matter. I know there are many more and maybe others here could add to them.
I'll start with these few.
Humility is:
1) Forgetfulness of self.
2) Acknowledgement of ones utter dependence on God for
all things both temporal and spiritual.
3) Submission and obedience to all just authority (where no sin be involved).
4) Accepting injustices against ones-self as being deserving and permitted by the hand
of God.
5) Rejoicing at the blessings bestowed on others whether spiritual or temporal.
6) Considering ones own blessings as unmerited.
Those are just a few I can think of to get things rolling. Anyone like to add more?
Humility is the foundation of all the virtues; therefore, in a soul where it does not exixt there can be no true virtue, but the mere appearance only. In like manner, it is the most proper disposition for all celestial gifts. And, finally, it is so necessary to perfection, that of all the ways to reach it, the first is humility; the second, humility; the third, humility. And, if the question were repeated a hundred times. I should always give the same answer.St. Augustine.