Ash Wednesday

There Is Hope in Being Humble

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

by Julie Smith

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

–Matthew 6:1

Matthew tells us that when we give alms and pray, we should not do so to have others tell us how good we are for doing so. God sees what we do in secret and will reward us. So, God is there when I pull out the rubber bands, buckets, and dyes for tie-dyeing.

For those who are not familiar with the art, you take a piece of fabric and wrap it with rubber bands. The parts of the fabric covered by the rubber bands are not exposed to the dye. The secret of tie-dyeing, knowing where to fold the fabric and placing the rubber bands, is a skill set one needs to make spectacular fabric art. Once you get your piece folded and banded just right, you place it in a bucket of dye. The secret continues, and magic happens.

Tie-dyeing is a humbling exercise as you never know what the finished piece will look like until the bands are removed. This is why you don’t sound a trumpet, as the plan you had in your mind may not come to fruition. This is when you receive the reward of your work.

When I am creating art, I pray and meditate. People who need prayer come to mind, and I add them to this prayer time. Giving without expecting anything in return and going to your prayer closet are humble acts. Taking old t-shirts and tie-dyeing them to reveal a beautiful design is awe-inspiring. Sharing this art with others, especially children, is when we are brought together in community.

There is hope in being humble when praying, giving to others, and in the arts. The world truly is a better place when we share God’s love through giving, praying, and sharing art of all kinds.

Prayer
God, see the quiet prayers and unseen acts of love. Teach me to give humbly, expecting no reward but knowing you bless what is offered in love. Let my hands create, my heart serve, and my spirit reflect your love through giving, praying, and sharing.
Amen

Julie Smith is a United Methodist deaconess. She lives in Central Texas with her family and attends Saint John’s UMC in Austin. Her ministry is working with the local Early HeadStart program.