You know what? There are times in our lives where we can, with a clear conscience, be smug.
Like when a mother or father has the whole family over, and they're all seated at the table, and all doing well, and all expressing their love and joy for each other and for you. You look at them all and think, "I did good! They turned out well, and this is an awesome family, and I'm partially responsible for that!"
Why not feel a bit smug at that moment?
That's what I see in this card. This isn't about selfishly wanting to win the lottery--it's never been about that. It's about throwing a party and knowing people will come because they like you. Whether those be friends or family, they want to celebrate you because you did something right with your feelngs and emotions. You filled all those cups up with your love and generosity and handed them out. And in handing them out to others, other come back and hand back to you in return.
You're allowed to feel good about that. You're allowed to be pleased, even smug, that you have people who want to celebrate you because you're a likable, lovable and good person.
Saints are eternally humble. This man is not a saint. This is the "9's" and they're about earthly things. What is here and now and real. "10's" are the spirit part, what goes beyond the here and now. So, it won't last forever this wish, but it's here and it's now and you can be pleased. Because you're a human being living in that here and now. Not a saint thinking about what happens after it all ends.
Is it a wise, if smug soul, who finds all they could wish or want for in being surrounded by loved ones, in having 9 cups to fill with love to give out to those he loves, and knowing that those cups will be returned to him filled with love.