For the past several years, I have made a conscious effort not to pass judgment on others or to think more highly of myself (in most cases). However, this week, I learned a new lesson in humility. One thing I haven’t had much tolerance or understanding for is people consistently losing or causing damage to their cell phones. I raised three sons who had their share of challenges when it came to these mobile devices. They all had more sophisticated devices than I and seemed to routinely need replacements. You name it, they did it with their cell phones – smashed them, ran over them, had them in their pockets when they went swimming, launched them when angry, snapped them in half on accident and on purpose, left them at friends’ homes and would never recover them, even run over them in the track of the car seat. Yes, I got to a point where I said, this is stupidity; and I will not purchase any more (but I did). My grown male co-workers were no better – story after story of needing a new Blackberry. I was so proud that somehow, my simple little cell phone would last for years, and I didn’t see the need to purchase anything new until absolutely necessary. When I did, it would be one of the least expensive.
Well, about a year ago, I splurged on myself – and bought an iPhone when my very adequate flip phone stopped flipping. I think it was four years old. I only bought the iPhone when I learned that I had been paying for a data plan that I wasn’t using. One year later, I’m still not sure that I know how to use all of the features, but I have found it to be pretty cool to have all things at my fingertips – calling, texting, email, weather, etc. I bought a cover for extra protection in the unlikely event that I might drop it and thought this should last me about five years.
So what do I do one year after purchasing it? Drop it in my coffee! Yes, you heard me correct – dropped it in my coffee! My hands were full but the person standing next to me grabbed it and quickly dried it off. I called one of my sons and fessed up. Rather surprised, he advised me to put it in a baggy with rice. Well, the verdict’s still out as to whether or not it survived, but one thing I know for sure: I will never, never say or think that “I would never do that.” Dropped it in my coffee??? I was and am humbled.
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
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