Today is Tuesday, August 30th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2142

Something emailed to us by one of my sisters within the past week; taken from her church's newsletter.
 
Good if you are getting older (aren't we all!); know someone who is getting older; or dealing with someone in your life who is coming to terms with the aging process:
 

A Prayer for a New Beginning

       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 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 others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for an 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.

                                                 — written by a 16th Century Nun

 

 


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