"I do not boast in own strength, not in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full. . .and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing. . .therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many nightly miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." (Alma 26:11-12)
This chapter has been may favorite for many years, these verses most of all. It such a powerful ending to the missions of sons of Mosiah. They are together again after so long, recounting the stories of their journey, and Ammon is so caught up in his joy, that he begins to run his mouth about how wonderful it was, and all the things they were able to do. And Aaron, his sensible brother, tells him to get a hold of himself, for "fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting."
But this is Ammon's response, ya - I'm boasting. But, not of his own power, but that of God. I don't know if I have ever been a very proud persons, but this chapter is a constant reminder to me about the nature of humility. Humility is not timid, it is not silent and brooding. Humility is action oriented, but not attention seeking.
It's hard for me to explain exactly what I mean, but humility is gratitude. Gratitude in your successes, knowing God is by you. When I succeed, I pray. When I fail, I try harder and I pray. Humility is remembering God when it might be easy to forget Him.
And most importantly, humility is joy. Joy in accomplishments, and knowing the Lord is on your side. Pride is a fleeting thing, lasting only as long as the lime light is shining. But joy in service begets more service, and more joy.
I feel like this was all very scattered, because I'm not quite sure how to convey all I love about Ammon's speak, but I thing he say's it all perfectly near the end;
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