I was looking for something in one of my desk drawers today and I stumbled across this lovely prayer that I had completely forgotten about. It is accredited to a 17th Century nun, and I think it is still very pertinent for us in the 21st Century. Hope you enjoy it and that it resonates with you. There is so much beauty in her words:
"Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all,
but you know Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;
give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains.
They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other’s pains,
but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet;
I do not want to be a saint – some of them are so hard to live with –
but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the Devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and
talents in unexpected people.
And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Amen."
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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