NOVEMBER 11, Proverbs 27:2

Honk! Honk-honk-Honk! The horn on little Todd’s tricycle was making an awful racket. Patti clapped her hands over her ears as she came home from school. “You hurt my ears with all the horn honking you do lately!” she exclaimed.

Mom smiled. “Todd,” she said, “Let Patti help you take your tricycle outside the flat to the playground.” “But I want to ride here,” wailed Todd. “I like my new horn.” He reached for the squeeze bulb on the handlebars.

Patti grabbed his hand. “No more!” she exclaimed. She picked up the tricycle and started for the door, with her little brother following. “Blow it all you want in the park where it won’t bother anybody.”

When Patti came back, she said, “Now I can tell you my news, Mom. I’ve been promoted to the advanced class. Only five percent of the kids mak 
that class.” Her chin went up.

Mom came over to give her a hug. “Congratulations, girl!” she said. Patti beamed. “I’ve got to tell everybody!” she declared, picking up the cordless phone. She dialed, and then for several minutes, she paced the floor and talked on the phone. The longer she talked, the more serious Mom looked. When Patti hung up after the sixth call and started dialing another number, Mom said, “That’s enough, Patti. You’re hurting my ears!”

Patti looked puzzled. “Hurting your ears!” she exclaimed. “But, Mom, I’m not even talking loudly.”

“I know you’re not,” Mom replied, “but you’re blowing your own horn, and it’s not something that’s pleasing to hear.” “What do you mean, Mom? I just…” began Patti. Mom held up her hand. “You’ve been telling people how wonderful and smart you are. Bragging is blowing your own horn, and no one likes to hear it,” she said. “God has blessed you with a sharp mind, and your teachers have helped you develop that mind. You have much to be thankful for but remember that all you have comes from the Lord.”

The faint sound of a tricycle horn drifted into the house. Mom smiled. “If you’re going to honk your own horn, honey, do it in the park,” she joked.

Thought: Do you like to hear people brag? Do you brag yourself?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me not to be a boaster. If I am good at something, please remind me never to forget that any ability or talent is from You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.