Humble Pie

I’ve been eating humble pie for some time now. It’s served to me frequently, even when I don’t ask for it. I’m sort of getting used to the taste, but it’s not delicious..

I used to be a choir director, the director’s wife, or at least the choir accompanist. Now I’m one of many singers, most of whom are better at it than I am. That doesn’t mean I’m not important. As a former conductor, I know how valuable each person is. But I am humbled. Knocked down a peg or two.

I am used to being a teacher. Now I am taught by my children (grown up now) and my grandchildren. They are the computer experts. I am a slow learner. Last night I had a meltdown because what I was trying to do was so overwhelming. It humbled me.

I used to be able to walk long distances. Now, due to knee and back issues, I am limited to short distances. In my mind I can still run, but in reality I must be content to stride cautiously. Just a year ago my goal was 5,000 steps a day (half of what my daughter does). Now I’m happy if I make it to 3,000. That’s not easily accepted. It’s humbling. But at least I’m thankful not to be using a walker yet.

Can humble pie really be good for us? Definitely. How else are we going to learn to be like Jesus? He left His honorable place in Heaven to become a lowly servant on earth. (See Philippians 2.) That’s not the end of the story, though. He will someday be King forever.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” And the impetuous and sometimes pompous disciple, Peter, wrote in I Peter 5:5, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” He had learned a lesson or two the hard way from the Master Himself.

Now it’s my turn to learn. Maybe yours, too. That humble pie didn’t taste good at first, but it’s growing on me. And it’s very beneficial to my spiritual nutrition. Have you tasted it and found it to be good?