29 June | Youth
«Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!» Isaiah 5:21
Whitney Houston is considered one of the best singers of all time. With an unmistakable timbre and an impressive vocal range, she has received more than 450 awards and sold more than 200 million records.
Early in her career, she had an unusual experience when she sang in a small church in a small town in the United States. While Houston was singing the highest note of the concert, she was surprised by another voice that overlapped hers, with even greater pitch and quality. Everyone was stunned, even Houston herself. Who in that isolated place had surpassed “the voice”?
Whitney did not know it, but in the back row of that small church was a simple, amateur singer who had a greater vocal range than hers. After the musical, the young girl was introduced to the pop star. It was a joyful day for both of them. There, in that small church, Houston recognized that there is always someone with greater qualities than ours.
We cannot be foolish enough to think that we are “the king” or “the queen,” or even “God's only gift to the world.” In fact, we are not as good as we think. We need to accept the fact that there will always be someone nicer, smarter, cleverer and more beautiful than us. So, do not be frustrated by other people's success!
On the other hand, it must also be said that there are people who do not have the capacity we have. No one is like you, with your way of being, knowledge and skills. Knowing this balances our self-esteem, doesn’t it? So, improve your qualities. Study, work, strive and be the best you can, for the honor and glory of God. What really matters is directing all success to the Lord. The claps, lights and praise are for the One who distributes the gifts.
Be careful with pride, as it does not accept rejection or second place. Eventually, you will catch your guinea pigs like a mousetrap catches a mouse. When everything goes well, remember that there is Someone bigger and better than you. And if everything goes wrong, understand that you are human and that failures are part of the winners' resume.