I just finished watching the Australian Open (tennis) and was again impressed by the remarkable talent, skill, and finesse of Swiss player Roger Federer. He has a fascinating quality–what John called "guilelessness." He describes himself clearly and accurately. Out of context of the man Federer is, his remarks could sound haughty. But, he's simply and directly telling the truth. In an interview, he mentioned being "very, very dominant" in the sport. In another interview, he remarked that he didn't know how he'd accomplished so much in so short a time.

Federer, it seems to me, exemplifies a fine quality: clarity that is not arrogant. I'm not sure how much sense this makes. It seems to me that with God's help we need to find a clear and healthy balance between self-deprecation and arrogance. The balance might be discovered best in Mary's Magnificat, in which she praises God and acknowledges that "all generations will call me blessed." this amazing reality is true; but, it doesn't ultimately point to Mary but to God.