Mother Teresa's List on Humility

We can never ever learn/strive/arrive with too much humility, right? If we think to ourselves, oh, I finally think I am humble, we've completely missed it, and that is the beginning of pride, the very opposite quality we want to steer away from. 

I desire to learn and learn and apply and refine and let Jesus move in move me so that there might be more room [by His grace and mercy] for more humility. I want it to be the most alive, thriving character trait in my tiny spirit, and the more I climb for it, the bigger the mountain I see looming above.

Jesus has taught me much. Brought me to the lowest hill, the dirtiest ground, but there is much Living Water there. I have and am continually being broken, shattered, and remade into something more new, something beautiful, only in the eyes of the Master. Otherwise, I am not much to look at.

Mother Teresa is a woman I highly respect, honor and adore, and I absolutely believe she knew more than most about the simple act of humility and living it throughout her life for all to see and be pointed and directed to Jesus. She was small and unassuming, her toes were crooked and worn, her face full of wrinkles, yet, she radiated Jesus Christ in every way. She never demanded attention, sought to win favor and admiration, and she loved the least of these. period. I am talking the sick, the outcast, the ones with skin falling off and bugs crawling all over them. She bathed the dirty and smelly, she clothed and fed the orphan- I can attest to this personally, because I was one the many orphans she rescued, took in, and fought on my behalf to find me a loving family. She defied the government to plead my case. She had her fellow nun sisters escort me across the continents from Bangladesh all the way to America, so that I could be given a better life. 

Talk about being humbled. I had nothing to offer anyone. I was of no value, I was another mouth to feed, and crawling with disease. Why shouldn't I be cast aside? Yet, she saw me with the eyes of Jesus, with compassion, and kindness, and with His love, she was able to love me. 

That is what I desire to emulate, Lord Willing. To put myself aside, and be filled with love and humility, and the ability to lift others far above myself, so that Life can be found in Him.

The reason i write all this, is because I came across a list that Mother T wrote concerning humility, and because I see her as a wise and godly woman, I took this list to heart, and have been dwelling on it and learning in small ways, how to grow in humility and a quiet and gentle spirit for Jesus. 

the list is hard. it is the polar opposite of what the world would say. it almost seems foreign really, but the path towards humility is hard. I fail all the time, and get discouraged that i am not even moving forward. But I remember it is NOT me and my ability. It is NOT me, but Him in me. 
May Jesus Christ be praised.

Mother Teresa's List on Humility:

1. speak as little about yourself as possible.

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 into 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.

sit on that for awhile...:)