The success at the recently completed Paris Climate Conference, in which 196 countries concluded an historic agreement on the complex issue of global warming, is something of a miracle. It is an example by representatives of most of the seven billion members of the human family of what can be achieved when we are operating from our best selves.

From what I can understand from local media reports, the action of Wayne Furbert in withdrawing his motion in our House of Assembly last Friday reflected a touch of the same spirit that was evident in Paris.

That United Nations agreement came “against all odds” in the prelude to the season when 2.2 billion Christians celebrate the birth of the Christ child. That miracle, two millennia ago, offers some guideposts. One senior BBC reporter contrasted the approach of representatives in these talks with that at the previous UN Climate Conference in Denmark in 2010. He reported that this year there was a much more humble tone from all involved, obviously fostering collaboration. Jesus was born amid humble circumstances, unnoticed by most, save a group of shepherds and three wise men.

The lesson offered is that we Homo sapiens — sapiens meaning “wise” — can best access our wisdom when we are humble. The BBC reported that in Paris there were no attempts at one-upmanship; there was a real sense that “we are all in this together” — rich and poor, north and south, all ethnicities, political persuasions and religions. There was a palpable commitment to put aside ego for the betterment of upcoming generations.

Mr Furbert’s action seems to answer a call made by Bishop Vernon Lambe at the Progressive Labour Party’s most recent banquet, a request that was applicable to both the PLP and One Bermuda Alliance. The senior cleric was quoted saying: “We don’t have to waste time in ... Westminster-style adversarial governance”. Rescinding that motion required a measure of humility, which allows one to be flexible enough to change their mind for the good of the whole.

While there is an evident consensus across the Island for the maintenance of the highest ethical standards on the part of representatives, Furbert’s rethink reduces the chances of it being a “political football”. This may be an opening to foster a more collaborative approach in facing our Island’s various crises.

All of us have had challenging experiences getting agreements on thorny matters, among friends and family. So we may find it hard to imagine forging an agreement involving 196 countries, as was the case at the Paris conference. That success offers a template available to everyone going forward. All the commentators, including President Obama, have been clear that this win-win is not a conclusion, but a crucial milestone in the difficult and complex journey to save the planet.

To quote Dickens: “These are the worst of times, the best of times ... ” Over the past many weeks, we have seen extreme examples of conflict: in Syria, the streets of Paris and San Bernardino, as well as irrational responses from Donald Trump.

In that same Paris this past week, we have seen how reason can make a difference in addressing one of the planet’s most serious challenges. Through the leverage of humility, shared wisdom was accessed, providing the flexibility to move forward. In this season, let’s all commit to draw on this example for the benefit of everyone — in our Island as well as our world.