The wisdom of the rice stalk

What virtues are prominent in the “2nd half of life?” Among them certainly would be humility. An earlier 2HC blog, Where are the elders? explains what that might look like.

Where are the elders?
Whose ears have tuned in to the interior world
and can offer an uncompromising listen to a youngling.
Whose self-awareness allows them to turn off their microphone
and waste some time with a sojourner.
Whose life is their message.'

In your language or culture what images or sayings help to paint a picture of growing humility? Pause for a moment to think about that ….

In Indonesia, where I spent my growing-up years and much of my adult life too, one image depicts a maturing into greater humility: a rice stalk. One who is becoming more humble demonstrates ilmu padi, the wisdom of the rice [stalk]. The fuller the stalk, the more bowed-down it becomes (Kian berisi, kian merunduk).

Below is another image that invites us to slow down and walk humbly. The image is accompanied by one of the beatitudes of Jesus (in the First Nations Version).

Where is your heart drawn by these images and sayings?

What would walking in the “wisdom of the rice stalk” look like for you? What might this mean for your relationships and your work or ministry?

Image of rice stalk by zcf428526 from Pixabay