The Humble Pie Challenge (part 1 of 3)

by Katie Sciba truthandcharity.net

Im sentimental. My appreciation for nostalgia is a balanced one now, but when I was a kid I kept everything because of sentimental value. Between old homework assignments and feathers from the backyard, my room was a mess of clutter and I was proud of everything I had that attracted dust. In one of several drawers overflowing with memories, was a photo album stuffed with my collection of holy cards for every occasion, most of which didnt apply to an 8 year old marriage, death of a child, ordination, lost causes. Sifting through my album when packing up for college, I came upon a yellowed scrap of paper with typewriter font with a litany entitled Mother Teresas Humility List. Since then each time I read it is like choking down humble pie; and, it always leaves me starving for Christ, yearning to imitate Him. Mother Teresas Humility List 1. Speak as little as possible about yourself. 2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others. 3. Avoid curiosity. 4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others. 5. Accept small irritations with good humor. 6. Do not dwell on the faults of others. 7. Accept censures even if unmerited. 8. Give in to the will of others. 9. Accept insults and injuries. 10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded. 11. Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone. 12. Do not seek to be admired and loved. 13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity. 14. Give in, in discussions, even when you are right. 15. Choose always the more difficult task. What a challenge! The more I considered this list, the more questions I had. How do I avoid feeling hurt if the opportunity to practice #10 (accepting contempt, disregard) comes up? How do I apply #7 (accepting censures) or #14 (giving in even when right) without becoming a door mat, letting people walk all over me? In order to practice humility devoutly, a person has to

maintain that his dignity lies in God alone. Why would I seek to be admired and loved by others if I need only to be loved by God? and I already am! When I gave the list to my spiritual director, he suggested that I rewrite it; not to correct Mother Teresa by any means, but to interpret the list to more specifically suit my vocation as married laity. Within the next week, Ill submit 2 more posts covering my reflections. Pride is a horse pill - hard to swallow. Im so eager to work on this and develop my understanding of not only this list, but of humility on a grander scale. What are the best ways to practice humility as a wife and mother? As a friend? Sizing up the items on my scrap piece of paper makes me feel small and I cant help but shake my head at my own soul and behavior. Bottoms up! {For more Humble Pie, try a daily recitation of the Litany of Humility.}