Lord
thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day
be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every
subject and on every occasion.
Release me from the craving to straighten out
everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful and 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 friends in 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 endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for a growing humility and a lessening of cocksureness when my memory seems to
clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally
I just 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 talent in unexpected people. And please O Lord give me the grace to tell them
so.
