Luke 1:51-52 - Knocked off my throne

Rome has a massive structure called the Victor Emmanuel Monument. It includes Italy's tomb of the Ignoto Militi (Unknown Soldier). If you walk too close or raise your voice above a whisper, personnel will remind you to be more respectful. It's enough to stir the heart of even non-Italians.

Several statues adorn the monument, all intended to inspire awe and respect. Yet all it takes is one or two seagulls or pigeons, perched on top of a noble head to remind us that we can't take ourselves too seriously; we're made from dust! (Psalm 103:14; 104:29).

As a humble peasant girl, Mary praised God when she was told she would carry the Son of God. She said, "[God] has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble." (Luke 1:51–52, New Living Translation)

Sometimes God has to do a major intervention to people's pride, like reducing the arrogant King Nebuchadnezzar to being a wild animal in the wilderness. (Daniel 4, above) Sometimes He uses simpler things to knock people down from their throne.

We stopped at a gas station during a recent road trip. After filling the tank, I let my wife walk the dog while I used the restroom. Of course no one announces what they were doing in the restroom, and no one asks. Everyone knows what the restroom is for. No discussion.

As a kid, my parents taught me to always put toilet paper on a public toilet seat if and when necessity required it. This was one of those occasions. I conscientiously, carefully arranged the toilet paper on the porcelain throne.

Having completed my mission, I was carefully surveying the aisles of snacks--as if that was my primary reason for being there--when a women stepped up to me and whispered, "There's toilet paper hanging from your belt."

Thanks, God, for humorous, gentle reminders that I'm human and imperfect. Give me the grace to walk humbly with you. Keep me from needing a major lesson about pride. May I never detract from the glory that is Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen.