A person's value is not in his money, position, awards....

"A man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions or consolations,
nor by his knowledge of the scriptures,  nor by being placed in a more elevated position.
-but by being grounded in true humility and replenished with divine love.  

By seeking the honor of God." - Thomas A Kempis

When it seeks the honor of God over the honor of self. 

When it obeys God's promptings.

By obedience, I mean:

Daily prayer, 

giving thanks, 

guarding your thoughts, 

giving to others (no matter what their relationship to you), 

being at peace, 

peace not leisure (not laziness), 

not fearing - trusting, 

not instilling fear in others, 

not pointing fingers at others faults.

The cocoon is all part of the plan,

if you tear open a cocoon too soon, science tells us that the wings of the butterfly will be underdeveloped.    The caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon and stays there, seemingly dead to the world.    It is in the stillness that we hear God.   It is in the waiting that character is formed.

Travel steadily along His path.

He will honor you, giving you the land.   Psalm 37:34    

If we wait, nuzzled close to God, when He releases us, we will have a beautiful flight.