Food for Thought: Humility

At the beginning of the year, our church left laminated yellow stars on each seat in the sanctuary. Once the service began, we were instructed to turn over our star to reveal our affirmation word for the year, a quality or characteristic to focus on as we experience the next 365 days. Written in neatly typed black ink was my word: humility. I knew immediately it was going to be an interesting venture. 

Hu·mil·i·ty | noun: freedom from pride or arrogance 

Without much thought, I placed my star word on the window ledge above our kitchen sink. In the weeks following, multiple times during the day, these eight letters greeted me. No matter my mood, no matter my thoughts, humility shared its meaning with me by simply sitting there. 

Before long, humility started tagging along as I ventured out into the world. The word would pop into my mind when I witnessed humility gracing a moment in someone’s life — or, more sadly, when it was absent. On more occasions than I care to admit, humility came pounding on the door of my mind to help me question my thoughts and reconsider my actions. 

The impact of this exercise has been significant, and yes, humbling. This power of suggestion for the past year has changed the lens through which I see the world, relationships in my life, and myself. 

As we wind down 2018 and begin setting goals and resolutions for 2019, I hope you will consider choosing an affirmation word to serve as your guidepost. Maybe it’s a characteristic you’ve been hoping to strengthen or change. Maybe it’s a word that will help you break a habit or help start a new one. Or, let chance decide by drawing a word randomly from a bowl of multiple choices. 

The journey will no doubt bring a new perspective and maybe even a little humility. 

Thank you for being a part of the Edible journey. We look forward to delivering more good stories and delicious recipes in 2019! 

Ann Curtis
Managing Editor