One of my favorite books from my childhood is Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White.
(Which is funny when you consider how terrified of spiders I am!)
I love the wonder of what Charlotte does for her unlikely friend.
Not only does she undertake to save the life of her pig-friend, Wilbur, she does it in a way that inspires awe in the people around her.
She uses her web for the good of the one she loves, saving him by the simple power of words.
Words like Some Pig. Radiant.
Humble.
Humble always sticks out to me. It may be because it’s an odd word to describe a pig.
Or it may be because Humble and I haven’t been very well acquainted.
I love attention. I love praise. I love being told I’ve done a good job. I love being told that I am important, valued, accepted.
Loved.
I’ve spent my life seeking these words of affirmation. I’ve been so good at making everything all about me, me, me.
But you know you can’t spend half your life in the presence of Jesus and not have things like that change.
Oh, you can spend half your life in the presence of Jesus trying to make it all about you, but eventually, He gets to you. He opens your eyes to your selfish ambition and makes you see it for what it really is.
Pride.
(I hate that word!)
Pride keeps me from putting others before me. Pride keeps me from giving credit to the one who rightly deserves it, because I want it all for myself. Pride keeps me from allowing others their time in the spotlight.
Pride keeps me from using my gifts for the good of those around me.
Pride keeps me from Jesus.
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I hear ya!
Realizing that this life is not about us is a huge deal. The choices we make, either for ourselves of for others, hold eternal weight. That is humbling.
I love this post, Andrea, and am glad to be introduced to you. Went to your blog and love it. You are very encouraging and real Thanks for being willing to be used of God.
Thank you so much for this post. Charlotte’s Web was one of my favorite books as well. I think I might have to go and dust it off and read it again:)
“She uses her web for the good of the one she loves, saving him by the simple power of words.
Words like Some Pig. Radiant.
Humble.”
This made me think about the Cross and how God used Jesus for the good of the one He loves. Humbled. Himself. To the point of Death. So we could live.
Wow. So thankful and humbled! Thank you for the encouragement today:)
Oh this:
Such an amazingly timely word for me today. God is working on me. And today, He has used you to remind me of that. Thank you.
p.s. I am reading Charlotte’s Web to my five-year-old daughter right now. What a great book.
Thank you! 🙂
Yes! Pride gets in my way. I want to put others first and I am praying for God to give me opportunities to practice this.
Your message reminds me of an old hymn my mother played and sung often, “Others”, by Tennessee Ernie Ford… I quote, “Others, Lord, yes, others! Let this my motto be.” If you don’t know it, Google it, because it’s beautiful.
Thank you for your message.
Oh thank you so much for posting this. Earlier today God spoke to me very gently yet very clearly about letting go of all my plans. As much as I try to color them in the light of His leading, if I am really honest with myself, I am more likely to try to work God’s will into MY agenda. Even though the things I do and desire to do are good and “for the kingdom,” I am really seeking approval. I have surrendered these plans to Him, and it feels so liberating. I have no idea where this will take me and my family, but in the words of a very wise person, “I would rather walk with Jesus in the dark than walk in the light alone.” Thank you for showing me that I need to get out of the way and get over myself (in a very loving way!)
Ouch! Did you read my journal? Every word went direct to the heart of an area I’ve been wanting to see change in. God’s working, but I’m still in remedial humility classes. Those words of affirmation, acknowledgment of accomplishments and all that goes with it are still so
important to me. If no one comments on my blog, I’m grumpy without connecting it. If my friends haven’t talked with me on FB in awhile, I feel neglected and unloved. I’m working to find that security in Him. I really needed to hear this.
Me too Andrea, me too. I don’t know why it is so difficult to find that contentment with who we are and not seek after the approval of others. It’s something the Lord and I have been “discussing” for quite some time. We’re working on it!
An. It’s like you look into my heart too. It’s comforting to know I am not alone. You challenge me to be the person He created me.
At times I need those words. I feel valued and wanted. And when they don’t come I feel the sting of rejection. It hurts.
And yet the whole time He is there telling me all along how wonderful I am. How loved I am.
If only I would stop and listen.
Oh Andrea, I loved this…it really spoke to my heart.