pride | Hard Lessons

Whoever Exalts Himself…

It was Tuesday afternoon about 2:15pm. I was sitting in the Coffee Beanery waiting on a 2:00pm appointment. Just a little “put out,” I called Dottie (my wife) to let her know I would be home early because my appointment was a no show. She reminded me that I had forgotten an appointment every now and then to which I smugly replied, “Only once or twice.” (Remember that.)

Before heading home, I called to find out if I should continue to wait. “Yes,” he had forgotten; he apologized and said, “I’ll be there right away.”

He came; we had a good meeting.

Less than 24 hours later—Wednesday about 1:50pm.

I am putting on my running shoes ready for a go on the Natchez Trace when my phone rings: “Dick, Brenda wants to know if we should reschedule the meeting or are you just running late?”

The call jogged my memory: “You mean the meeting that was supposed to start at 1:30pm?”

“Yes.”

“I forgot, but I can be there in fifteen minutes if she still wants me to come.” (Oh how I was tempted to say I was just running late—much less a blow to my pride.)

I went; we had a good meeting.

Dottie really enjoyed it when I shared this embarrassing episode with her. (I think I saw a smug little “I told you so” look on her face.)

It would be good for all of us to remember that Jesus once said whoever “exalts himself will be humbled….” (Luke 14:11).

I sure need to remember. How about you?

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