Brenda’s Blog – July 17, 2018
“His gun is only one step above ‘yard ornament.’”
Grandson Colby and I thoroughly enjoy our Civil War reenactment hobby. We share the experience of manning a gun (cannon), listening to the other reenactors tell family history about relatives who fought in the war, learn to appreciate a wide variety of personal styles, and then just laugh at some of the funny conversation.
Owners of guns are very aware of their place in the hierarchy. There are guns – and then there are GUNS! The pecking order is well established and respect is shown throughout the battery. A newcomer made a lot of noise, asking for concessions, borrowing powder, complaining about the food, and generally irritating everyone.
He quickly made himself known to all. He made a strategic error when addressing his complaints loudly to the General. Big Mistake! His physical size dwarfed the commanding officer, but he walked away chopped away at the knees. Never dress down a reenactor with a $600 uniform and sword. In everyday life, I have no idea what our C.O. does, but on the field HE IS THE BOSS!
Sitting around watching, my grandson and I laughed as another gun owner summed it up: “He thinks he is so important, but his gun is only one step above ‘yard ornament.’”
Have you ever known someone whose inflated self-assessment made them a laughing stock? What happens when ego disguises clear lack? It is a valuable lesson to learn: a realistic understanding of ourselves is healthy. The Bible says for us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Apt words… in civilian life or in the reenactment camp. It doesn’t say not to think of ourselves, but just to keep it in perspective. We want to be the real thing.