"I WAS BORN MODEST; NOT ALL OVER, BUT IN SPOTS."

In his humorous, satirical novel A Connecticut Yankee in Sir Arthur's Court,  Mark Twain puts these words into the mouth of his protagonist.  I think that they might be true of everybody, to a greater or lesser extent!

This photo of me (in late 1972) was taken in the house of my Aunt Marcia, Uncle Bob and six Gould cousins, down in their basement.  You might think that I was a great pool player, but...alas, the photograph gives a false impression!  You only see  what the picture seems to convey...and I could take advantage of that and let people think I was a pro...until they actually played with me, of course!  Then my lack of expertise would become obvious!  So why even try to make people think I'm something I'm not?  Yet, we all do it...maybe not "all over", but "in spots"!
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The reason is that we're all human beings.  We may not actively strive for compliments, but when they come, we certainly don't complain, do we?  Human beings like to be admired and considered "good" at what we do or are.  But at times, our lives (like this picture) give a wrong impression. As someone said, "Some people think they've hit a triple when actually they were born on third base."  It's not at all bad to be valued and admired, but we need to keep modesty as a measuring stick, and not overdo things - either way. Romans 12:3 says, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment with the measure of faith God has given you."  Be realistic.  Thank God for the talents and gifts He has given you, for the things He's helped you accomplish...but remember from Whom they came and Who's behind them!

A story was told of King George III of England, who prohibited the clergy to compliment him in their preaching when he was present.  When one of them went against this injunction, the king reprimanded him, saying that he came to the chapel to hear the praise of God, and not his own.

The psalmist said something similar:  "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."  (Psalm 115:1)

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It is amazing to see the variety of talents and abilities, innate and acquired, that God has distributed among all his creatures.  But He didn't give them to us for the purpose of gaining us fame and renown! We should use them for  encouraging others, giving enjoyment, entertaining, helping those who need our particular gift...etc.  And, as we do so, let's try to "think of ourselves with sober judgment", knowing that when we put ourselves and our abilities in God's hands, He has the expertise needed to bring the most good from them, and wring the most mileage out of them!

I don't always find this easy.  Being restricted in my activities, due to my illnesses, at times it seems like I'm stuck in a corner, having to watch others go by (without me) with all their impressive doings!  I should, instead, thank God for those "impressive doings" when He uses them for His glory...and for the chance to watch Him as He weaves His tapestry of blessings.  (But I'm working on it!)

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Lord, thank You for channeling your creativity through us all...yes, ALL,  for You have given every single one of us something of value to contribute!  May we use it wisely, modestly and gratefully.