I feel humbled and thankful when things go well.

Hear the words of Lacey Sturm, whose voice has been lifted from darkness into light: “I feel humbled and thankful when things go well.” At first hearing, this may sound like a gentle confession, but within it lies a truth of deep and ancient weight. For to rejoice when fortune smiles is common to all, but to meet that moment not with arrogance, but with humility and thankfulness, is the mark of a soul refined by struggle and wisdom.

The first jewel in her saying is the spirit of humility. When triumph comes, when victories are won and paths are made smooth, many are quick to boast, to credit only their own hands and strength. Yet Sturm declares she feels humbled, for she knows that success is never the work of one alone. It is the fruit of unseen mercies, of guiding hands, of opportunities given, and of endurance sustained. To be humbled in victory is to acknowledge that no blessing comes without a higher source.

The second flame is thankfulness. She does not simply accept her fortune; she gives thanks for it. Thankfulness transforms success from a fleeting triumph into a lasting treasure, for it roots the heart in gratitude rather than pride. Without gratitude, even abundance becomes emptiness; with gratitude, even small victories shine with glory. Her words remind us that thankfulness is not weakness but strength, the strength of one who can rejoice without being corrupted by the intoxication of success.

History bears witness to this truth. Consider the life of George Washington, who led the American colonies to independence. When the war was won, and the nation wished to crown him as king, he declined and returned to his farm in humility. He was thankful for victory, yet humbled by the responsibility it carried. His restraint, born of humility, preserved the young republic. In his story, as in Sturm’s words, we see the eternal teaching: when things go well, bow your heart low, and give thanks.

The third truth in her saying is the recognition that success can be dangerous. When things go well, it is easy to forget the struggle, to take blessings for granted, or to believe we are invincible. Yet by choosing humility and thankfulness, Sturm guards her spirit against pride’s corruption. The ancients often warned that fortune is fickle, and pride before the gods was swiftly punished. Thus her attitude is a shield, ensuring that triumph does not harden the heart, but softens it instead.

The lesson for us is clear: when blessings come, do not exalt yourself above others. Be humbled, remembering that your victory rests upon the help of many and the mercy of Providence. Be thankful, remembering that nothing is guaranteed and all is gift. In this balance, you will not be destroyed by success, but strengthened by it, ready to endure when the seasons of trial return.

Practically, whenever you succeed—whether in work, in family, or in personal struggle—pause before celebrating. Speak words of thankfulness aloud. Name those who helped you, and give them honor. Reflect upon the hardships that shaped your journey, and let them remind you of your frailty. In doing so, you will keep pride from ruling your heart and cultivate the noble spirit of gratitude.

Thus, Lacey Sturm’s words resound like an ancient teaching: “I feel humbled and thankful when things go well.” For in humility lies wisdom, and in gratitude lies strength. To walk in both is to transform fleeting victories into eternal lessons, and to ensure that success, instead of corrupting the heart, becomes the ground from which greater virtue is born.