In Praise of Modesty . . .

Sometimes it's hard to be modest in an ever increasingly immodest world. We are bombarded daily with images and examples of things that are as far from being modest as you can get and it's become very clear to see that it's the big gestures in life that get all the attention. Things like glamour, fame and wealth. These seem to be the gods of this world, whether we like it or not. You will never see Mrs smith from Cherrytree Lane, Smalltown, UK on the international best dressed list though. It seems that only wealthy and well known women make that list, and I doubt sincerely if you will ever see my humble home grace the pages of any magazine, glossy or otherwise!

It seems today, that is it not enough to write quite simply a good novel in order to get one published, one has to write a best seller from their first movement out of the starting gate. If your book isn't a best seller right from the get go, then you don't really have very much hope of every getting a second one published. If you're an actress, you can't be considered a success until you have won an Academy Award, and how many Bronze medallists do you see signing multi million pound endorsement deals with advertisers???



Does the mere fact that you've never made it to the top of your field make you a failure? Does one only have to see our name in flashing bright lights and have legions of fans to be considered a success in life? Should we give up before we even try? The world would tell us that being a modest success just doesn't cut the mustard, and that modesty is mediocrity. I am here to put my hand up and say . . . the world has gotten it all wrong!! (no surprise there!)

If you were to look up the word modesty in the dictionary, you would see the following description:

1. The quality of being modest, freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
2. Regard for decency of behaviour, speech, dress, etc.
3. Simplicity, moderation.



Nowhere amongst those words did I see the word failure. If anything, it bespeaks of qualities which I greatly admire! Gone is the image of a shy, apologetic, retiring and nerdy wall flower who sits on the side lines in her plain muslin dress waiting for someone to ask her to dance. Instead, I see a woman so sure of herself and who she is, that she has no need for glitz or glamour to cover up her insecurities. Her inner beauty speaks for itself. Her modesty, a virtue so full of her own strength of self confidence and her knowledge of her own worth, that she is not distracted by the glitz and glamour of wealth, for she knows where true wealth lies . . . and it is not in a jewellery box or a burgeoning closet full of designer clothing. It lies in knowing who you are and accepting who you are . . . not apologizing for who you are. It comes from knowing a Heavenly Father's love and realizing that His standards are the only standards that need to be met, and the only standards that really and truly count. Anything and everything else pales in comparison . . .



The word that strikes me most in that dictionary description is the word, "freedom." That is a soaring word, an enabling word. A word that bespeaks of an internal power to rise above the cares and woes of this world. Modesty is freedom from having to look a certain way, meet certain worldly standards of success, the race to keep up with the Joneses . . . There is great value in simplicity and a wonderful sense of peace as well . . . and yes . . . FREEDOM. Freedom, something that isn't reserved solely for the rich and famous, and in truth , I doubt they even know it exists. Modesty is the treasure of those who are wise enough to seek it. It is not fool's gold, which bewitches and deceives those who go after it, but a treasure that is solid and sure. Therein true beauty and wealth lie. I think I'll settle for that. A flower needs no embellishment. It is beautiful and worthy, in all it's modesty, just the way God made it.

So are you and I.

This cake has been a family favourite for many years. I got the recipe from my good friend Mable when my children were very small and I think she got it from a Kraft Foods recipe booklet. I have baked this many times through the years, and it was always warmly welcomed. I only very rarely make it these days as it is a rather large cake, but it also freezes very well, so that is no excuse not to make it. It's also great to take to pot luck suppers and picnics . . . hence the name!



*Peanut Butter Picnic Cake*
Makes one 13 X 9 inch cake
Printable Recipe

This is a delicious, moist and very simple cake to make. It's always a bit hit whenever I make it and wherever I take it! An easy carry along for a summer picnic or to take to a covered dish supper. Make note of my tasty variation at the bottom!

Cake:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups plain flour
1 TBS baking powder (Yes that is 1 TBS)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
Frosting:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups icing sugar, sifted
1/4 cup milk
Toasted and chopped walnuts to garnish (optional)

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C.350*F. Lightly grease and flour a 13 X 9 inch cake pan and set it aside.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light. Beat in the peanut butter, vanilla and eggs, beating them in well.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and then add to the creamed mixture, alternately with the milk, mixing well after each addition, beginning and ending with flour.

Pour into the prepared pan and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it tests done and the top springs back when lightly touched or a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool, leaving in the pan.

To make the frosting, cream the butter and peanut butter together with the vanilla until well mixed. Add the icing sugar alternately with the milk, beating the mixture until light and fluffy. You may add additional milk if needed in order to give you the right spreading consistency.

Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cake. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over top if desired.

*Note* - Sometimes I make it a peanut butter and jam cake. It's a really delicious version. I take about half a cup of good strawberry jam and I dollop tablespoons full of it on top of the cake batter before I put it into the oven, swirling a knife gently through the dollops and cake batter to marble it. It is really good with this addition, but then again, I am a North American and peanut butter and jam is a North American Institution!!