Mom, why would anyone want to be shorter?
This was Caleb’s question when he noticed an advertisement.
Lose 12 inches in 30 minutes.
Containing a smile, I explained the business was claiming to help people lose weight not height.
Nevertheless, the thought was planted in my mind.
The possibility of losing height in only thirty minutes.
Not the stature you’re imagining.
Another type of elevation. One that’s self-produced. And unrelated to the inches on my measuring rod.
This loftiness is grown heartily by watering the soil of pride.
It peaks as I fertilize my inner sense of worth and right to self.
My prominence crests steadily with the absorption of a vainglorious rainfall.
A gluttonous self-love nourishes this haughtiness of mine.
It seems I’m due for a meeting with the Gardener.
A time for trimming and pruning.
Maybe about twelve inches off the top.
It always seems to take more than thirty minutes, though.
And it usually hurts.
Jesus Christ is always unyielding to my claim to my right to myself. The one essential element in all our Lord’s teaching about discipleship is abandon, no calculation, no trace of self-interest. (Disciples Indeed by Oswald Chambers)
Refusing to Tiptoe 
I like this post very much. Very inspiring.
Thank you, Dicky. I enjoyed reading your most recent, inspiring post, as well.
Love this post! And I hate to admit it, but many times I require more than 12 inches of pruning! I can be so prideful sometimes!!!
Mine shows up daily. And I have to remind myself often, “I don’t have that right.” Oh, and mines most often way more than 12 inches, Carrie.
Anybody got a chainsaw?
Great post Cristal. I loved Caleb’s question:)
I am laughing so hard, Vince! So, I’m not the only one with a thick and hearty pride? 😉
Great post! Love the Oswald Chambers quote – – he’s a favorite of mine. Painful pruning. But like getting my hair cut, I always feel so much lighter afterwards 🙂
Oswald Chambers is definitely one of my favorites, as well, Brooke. And I agree, pride can get pretty heavy. But, oh the freedom of having it removed!
All I can say is out of the mouths of babes….Thank you for sharing this today with us..Great insight
Thank you, Desiray. And I enjoyed reading your great insight over at your blog today!
Ouch…but true. And creatively communicated!
Yes, Judy, ouch. The initial pruning is quite painful. But, afterward, the relief is refreshing!
Really enjoyed this! Amazing how our kids lead us to deep thinking haha. Great insights!
I often wonder if the main reasons I even have children is so that God can more easily speak to me! Even when disciplining them, I often sense God nudging me with a “You, too” and a prompting to examine my own life.
Awesome post, so simple…so true, greatly needed. Thank you!
Thank you very much, Liz. And I am greatly enjoying reading the truths you are sharing on your blog each day.
Words can’t express what a blessing it is to serve God’s women. Thank you, I’ll visit you again soon.
Thank you for visiting, Liz. And you truly are blessing and serving God’s women as I am enlightened each day I read your insightful words on your blog. May God continually pour His truth through you to us.