My husband and I were having a casual conversation about our mortality the other day, and he said, “Honey, if you die first, will you give Jesus a hug for me?” To which I responded, “Okay, but if you die first, will you tell Jesus to take me, too, because I’m ready to go.”

My husband looked at me, and said, “Wow. You’re even bossy when you’re dead. And bossy to Jesus, too.” I didn’t even think about, it, but it’s so true. My daily speech seems to be littered with commands to people about what they should and shouldn’t do. I actually do know that’s insufferable.

I was reminded again while I was watching Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock in the romantic comedy, Two Weeks Notice, and there was a moment in which Sandra’s character reprimanded Hugh’s character for having broken a promise. And in his anger, he yelled, “Yes, I made a promise, and I broke it. I’m human. You’ll find out most people are. Nobody wants to be preached to by a saint. Saints are boring.”

Ouch, but so true. I know too well that I am human and make mistakes almost every moment of every day, yet I can be unyielding and unforgiving when it comes to others. But I know that being bossy stems from ego and pride. I hate describing myself in those terms. I long for the day when someone compliments me for my humility.

How do you others do that? Just talk without feeling the need to order people around? How do you become comfortable with watching others perform tasks when your way seems so much more efficient or effective? I’ve tried to stand back and say nothing, but it almost pains me.
So how does a person let go of ego and gain humility?