Thank You!

I have had this on my heart, so indulge me, please. :)

This past week, I put in over 15 hours of windshield time. It was an exhausting week, and I'm happy to be home. I have an iPod, which I thought I would use a lot, especially as I travel. It sits, dusty, on a shelf. I'm addicted to Talk Radio. So for these 15 hours, I channel surfed and listened to as much Talk Radio as I could. Some I agreed with, others I did not -- but it kept my mind stimulated.

This week, both Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham had interviews with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas regarding his new book, "My Grandfather's Son." Laura Ingraham's interview especially was captivating. He is her former boss, so she knows him on a different level than most people do. I can't recommend the book, as I've never read it.... but I hope to. Judging from the interview, it provides a world view, perspective, and set of values not seen much anymore in today's society. (I think you can listen to 1/2 hour of her interview here.)

One of the things Justice Thomas mentioned was "The Litany of Humility," which I'd never heard of, but it piqued my interest. So I looked it up. And I'll post it below in just a second. But first I want to thank you all.

When I started out on this freebie stuff, I told you I didn't care if you left comments. I still do feel that way, as I still do "create" simply because I enjoy it. However, I'm so grateful for all the wonderful comments I've received, and for all the layouts you've shared with me. There are so many wonderful people out there, and I've so enjoyed reading your comments, advice, and encouragement. Some of you consistently send me little messages that really just make my day.

I apologize for not writing back to everyone. I would love to take time with each one of you to read, write, and get to know you. Unfortunately, time simply slips away, and I know I've neglected responding to many. I still have them all, and I hope to get some responses out soon. So my apologies if you feel neglected by my non-response! That's certainly not my intent.

I also want to single out one person who has made my day over and over and over again. Grambie graced me with her presence at the very beginning, sending me the most beautiful, heartfelt notes of encouragement, faith, and love. Many times I've wanted to email her to thank her, but there's no response email in the blogger comments. And that's OK -- certainly I appreciate everyone's privacy, as I'm the same way! But Grambie, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You always make me smile and have just the right, beautiful words for me. You are often in my thoughts and prayers, and I just want you to know that.

Now back to the "Litany of Humility." I hope you enjoy reading this as well. Some of these I feel I've got under control, others I definitely need to keep in prayer. But it is certainly something I should keep at the forefront. It is something that Justice Thomas apparently keeps top of mind and has passed on to others. Don't you wish all public officials would do the same? Below are the words:

Litany of Humility
Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930),Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I,
provided that I may become as holy as I should…