Comedian Tommy Smothers once quipped: "The best thing about getting older is that you gain sincerity.
Once you learn to fake that, there's nothing you can't do."

Of course, faking sincerity is a lot like boasting about
humility! It rather misses the point!

To be sincere is to be real. To be genuine. To be honest. And
even...to be vulnerable. No easy task! Furthermore, sincerity
begins with something that cannot be faked -- honesty with
yourself.

The Wall Street Journal once printed a little piece titled
"Sincerity." It goes like this:

"I wish I were big enough honestly to admit all my shortcomings;
brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant;
tall enough to tower above deceit;
strong enough to welcome criticism;
compassionate enough to understand human frailties;
wise enough to recognize my mistakes;
humble enough to appreciate greatness;
staunch enough to stand by my friends;
human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor;
and righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God."

I may never be that strong, that compassionate, that wise or that loyal.
But I can be genuine. And somehow, I know that will be enough.
 

Used with Permission
©Steve Goodier