Humble Pie

Please tell me I’m not the only one who puts myself in situations, only to be brought to my humbled knees.

Let me tell you my recent story. But first, you must read my blog, Praise Journal, posted on March 15, 2026, because it’s connected to this story.

Over a year ago, I needed my sewing machine repaired. All the well-known shops were backed up for months. I had entered an art contest and needed my machine fixed as soon as possible to meet the deadline. I found a local guy through a website. I thought it was odd that he answered the phone, “Hello,” instead of using a business name. Then I really had my doubts when I saw an unmarked building and his “office,” which was actually a walk-in closet with one desk.

I explained the problem. He took my machine, insisted on full payment up front, and told me to come back in a week. No receipt. Honestly, I thought it would be the last time I saw both my machine and my money.

After a week, I called to verify it was ready, then returned to pick it up. It was fixed—but missing a part. I insisted it had been there when I dropped it off, and he insisted it had not. I was so shocked and upset that, to pacify me, he scrounged up a part to give me. It wasn’t mine, but I took it anyway and told him I would not recommend him and would leave a negative review. I huffed out of that place.

Fast forward to March 2026, when my SUV was rear-ended. Did you read my Praise Journal post yet?

My vehicle repair was completed in May. As I was preparing the backseat for passengers, I found my sewing machine part on the floorboard. My heart sank as the sharp words I had spoken to that man came flooding back. The realization hit me: he hadn’t stolen it after all.

I couldn’t understand how. For weeks after picking up my sewing machine, I retraced my steps multiple times—checking the floors in my home, searching throughout the garage, and using a flashlight to look under all the car seats. I do recall my sewing machine tipping over once after taking a turn, but nothing seemed out of place when I picked it up. I detail my own car, and for a year, I never heard anything sliding around—nothing seemed amiss. Over the months, I dropped a lipstick and a pen and had to feel around under the seats to retrieve them, but I found nothing else.

My conclusion: being rear-ended must have jarred it loose, and the mechanic likely found it and placed it on the rear floorboard.

After profusely apologizing to God, I knew I had to humble myself and make things right with a face-to-face apology to the sewing machine repairman—not a phone call.

Before going, I found my not-so-pleasant Yelp review and deleted it. I looked up his address and went to his shop. To my surprise, he was doing well in a larger building with a sign.

I handed him the part he had given me and began my story from the beginning. I told him how sorry I was and how wrong I had been—and that I had deleted the negative review.

He looked surprised, but then gave me a kind smile and nodded.

That was so hard to do, but I know my heavenly Father was pleased. I thanked God for the opportunity to make it right.

Back at home, I reflected on the incident. In my Praise Journal blog, I said I didn’t know why I had experienced another car accident.

God knew I was in the wrong, yet He was still patient with me. Since I couldn’t find the missing sewing machine part on my own, the accident jarred it loose. It may have been loving correction for how I acted—yet even in that, God protected me, and I walked away unharmed. A great reminder of why can be found in Proverbs 3:11–12.

We’re human. Even when we know better, we still mess up. I share this humbling experience to encourage you—to help you learn from my mistakes so you can make things right quickly.

In the past, I have apologized without receiving acceptance. There’s always a chance someone won’t accept your apology. If that happens, know that you were obedient—you did what was right and what God asked of you. From there, you are released to move on. It’s now between them and God.

Go in peace. Walk in love. Be quick to repent and forgive; God will bless you for it.