…for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. – Luke 18:14 NRSV
Late September, Jackie and I enjoyed an overnight visit to Carteret County, where we had the opportunity to attend the Beaufort Pirate Invasion. Our very close friends were going to be there with their daughter, Alanabeth (on the left, above), who was scheduled to play in a duet with her friend who played the mandolin and violin. Part of the festival included a scavenger hunt for the children, who sought out autographs of all the performers in order to submit their completed sheets for a chance at a prize.
This was pretty unusual for Alanabeth, as she had not experienced much in the lines of folks running up to her asking for her autograph. I watched her pull out her Sharpie every time another youngster approached her with a sheet in their hands, asking, “Can I have your autograph?” Graciously, Alanabeth always said, “Sure,” and then proceeded to get down on her knee and sign the sheet.
This is not uncharacteristic of Alanabeth, who is a very talented banjo player and has learned under Hank Smith (Raleigh) and Ricky Hargis (Roxboro). She also attended a summer camp hosted by Bela Fleck, along with Tony Trischka and Kristen Scott Benson (for those of you who might follow Blue Grass). I do not have a trained ear for the banjo, but I can tell you, she can play it and get folks clapping and stomping their feet when she’s on stage fingerpicking her banjo! Alanabeth never seeks recognition when she plays, and has repeatedly said how much joy she receives when she looks out from the stage and sees folks smiling as they listen to the sounds emanating from her banjo. That’s enough for her to keep practicing and playing her banjo.
How thankful we were to witness a young teenage pirate along the banks of Gallants Channel, embodying the message of Luke, on a beautiful fall day in Carteret County.
Blessings, 
David