Step Seven and the 'Older' Member

Time after time during my seven years of AA sobriety, I have recognized a character defect and asked God to remove it and he hasn't done it. I have asked why, and for an answer have been driven to an ever more careful consideration of Step Seven. Here I encounter the crucial word "humbly." If I really want a shortcoming removed I am to ask humbly--that is to say, in humility.