There was a song by Mac Davis released in 1980 titled, “Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble.” It was popular among us “Baby Boomers,” and its popularity continues even now.
I found and now share this on-line review:
'Impacting Society: While 'Oh Lord It's Hard to Be Humble' may be a playful and humorous song, its underlying message holds a significant impact on society. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their own egos and the role humility plays in their lives. In a world where self-promotion and self-centeredness are often praised, the song serves as a reminder to stay grounded and humble. It encourages individuals to focus on their inner qualities rather than external validation and material possessions.'
Last Sunday, the parishioners of St. John’s surprised me with a birthday cake.
Yes, it is a milestone year.
The celebrations have continued: two “Birthday Breakfasts,” Birthday Cake with friends, and the upcoming “Family Birthday Supper-Out” to mark our daughter Katherine’s birthday, too!
As I write this on my actual birthday, I am overwhelmed by the number of people I have encountered on these 75 journeys around the sun.
I am humbled to receive so many greetings —even from some fellow-students of that one-room school in Dewar Lake, Saskatchewan, from back when my mother prepared my favourite meal of tomato macaroni with meatballs, and chocolate cake was the order of the day. Somehow, I would always end up with the slice that had the 25-cent piece in it!
I consider myself to be truly fortunate, old enough to even have experienced some of those final harvests that featured horse-drawn loads of grain sheaves.
I witnessed those sheaves being processed by a threshing machine! It was the last year my uncle harvested in that manner. Then, a few years ago, I had the chance to share a combine-cab with a friend, and watch the entire operation being controlled by GPS and electronic monitors.
During those same years, I experienced the telephone’s technological advancement from the wall mounted crank-phone to rotary-dial, and now the (perhaps not so great) invention of the cell phone.
All this time, I trust I have been able to maintain a sense of humility.
As the song reviewer wrote:
'In a world where self-promotion and self-centeredness are often praised, the song serves as a reminder to stay grounded and humble. It encourages individuals to focus on their inner qualities rather than external validation and material possessions.'
Blessings in Christ, He who was humble in every way, Archdeacon Brian+
