Post by caressa on Nov 16, 2004 13:32:33 GMT -5
Lord, thou knowest better than I would know myself that I am growing older and that some day I shall 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 thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few freinds at the end.
Keep my mind free from recital of endless details, give me wings to get at the point. Seal my lips on my ahces and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for growing humility and a lessening of thingysureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory 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 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.
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.