Humility and Burnt Toast: A Cozy Guide to St. Augustine’s Reminder

“Oh Lord, everything good in me is due to You. The rest is my fault.” – St. Augustine

Ah, humility. It’s a word that conjures images of monks in drafty cloisters and perhaps that time you mistook salt for sugar in your famous cookie recipe. St. Augustine, in his quietly devastating way, gives us a mantra for those moments when we’re feeling a little too smug—or a little too self-critical.

So, how do we lean into those inevitable moments of humility without completely unraveling? Here’s a cozy, no-nonsense guide:

1. Acknowledge the Good- and the Grace Behind It

Did you manage to stay calm while your toddler launched a Lego attack? Did you not just survive but thrive through a chaotic dinner? Congratulations! But before you crown yourself Parent of the Year, remember: every ounce of patience, kindness, or resilience comes with a little divine assistance. The trick is to accept the compliment—and then quietly pass it upstairs.

2. Laugh at Your Own Blunders

Burnt toast? Missed deadlines? Forgot to move the laundry (again)? These are not moral failings; they’re just part of being human. Augustine’s quote is both a reality check and a wink. Embrace the humor in your own fallibility. There’s a certain charm in being the person who can laugh while scraping burnt crumbs off the counter.

3. Resist the Temptation of Over-Apology

There’s a difference between acknowledging your flaws and turning every mistake into a five-minute mea culpa. Own the blunder, offer a light-hearted “Oops,” and move on. As Augustine suggests, it’s a dance between accountability and grace—not a self-flagellation marathon.

4. Keep a “Humility Highlight Reel”

No, not to wallow in your mistakes, but to keep things in perspective. Remembering that time you confidently took a shortcut and ended up lost for hours can be oddly comforting. It reminds you that you’ve been imperfect before, and you’ll survive being imperfect again.

5. Practice Gratitude (Even for the Messy Bits)

The good moments are easy to be thankful for, but there’s something quietly profound about being grateful for the humbling ones, too. Each “fault” is an opportunity to grow, laugh, or simply remember that perfection is overrated. Thank God for the grace that smooths out your rough edges—and for the rough edges that keep you grounded.

6. Surround Yourself with Gentle Humor

St. Augustine’s wisdom is piercing, but it’s also deeply human. There’s no scolding here—just an invitation to chuckle at the absurdity of trying to be perfect. Keep friends, books, and podcasts close that remind you to smile through the imperfections.

7. Reflect, Don’t Ruminate

At the end of the day, take stock of both the triumphs and the trip-ups. Reflect on the grace you received and the mistakes that kept you humble. But don’t ruminate. There’s a difference between self-awareness and self-indulgent brooding. Augustine’s wisdom is meant to lighten the load, not add to it.

Final Thoughts: Humility, but Make It Cozy

St. Augustine’s words aren’t just a theological quip—they’re a warm reminder that we’re all stumbling through this life together, carried by grace and tempered by a healthy dose of humility. So, the next time you nail a moment of virtue or faceplant into a moment of folly, take a deep breath, say a little prayer, and maybe laugh at the burnt toast.

After all, everything good in you is a gift. The rest? Just part of the comedy of being human.

AMDG,

Emma Williams

Wife, mother, artist, storyteller. Slightly burnt-toast connoisseur.

Follow along as we cultivate lifelong learning and appreciation for life’s simple beauties. Grab a cup of coffee and welcome to The Odd-Lot Social Club!