Still Learning

It happened sometime around the mid-1980’s during my first year of teaching CCD. 

I was excited to be working with a fairly large group of 6th graders. Our focus was on the Bible. As I worked on lesson plans, I was personally learning a lot more about Scripture. For this particular class, I remember feeling well prepared and eager for the stimulating class discussion I was sure would occur. Contrary to my expectations, it turned into a lesson of a different sort. 

I don’t remember specifically what I was talking about that Wednesday afternoon, but one student in particular seemed to be hanging on my every word. “Great!” I remembered thinking. “I am really getting through to her.” 

After I had expounded for a while, I asked if there were any questions. That very focused young lady quickly raised her hand. I happily acknowledged her. She did indeed have a special question for me. It was... “Where did you get those earrings?” Obviously, it was not my words that touched her, but my ear apparel. Quite the blow to my pride as an educator.

Here are some takeaways from what turned out to be one of many lessons in humility during my career as a CCD teacher and beyond:

* Don't wear distracting jewelry when teaching anything to anyone.

* Talk less and listen more.

* Learn to appreciate God's quirky sense of humor; work on developing one of your own.

* Don't forget to acknowledge that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

* Pray a lot more; maybe every day include the following... 

Let me have too deep a sense of humor ever to be proud.

Let me know my absurdity before I act absurdly.

Let me realize that when I am humble, I am most human, most truthful, and most worthy of Your serious consideration.

Prayer for Humility by Daniel A Lord, SJ