OT finally here it is

My Moma kept a copy of this on her dining room table and I've wanted to find it for decades. Finally, here it is. I especially love the bit about not recounting the endless details of our woes at every opportunity. A 17th century nun? Imagine. Even then we'd guess, old folks kinda over did the response to "How are you?" Enjoy this with me. You might even add it to your prayers. Polly

17th Century Nun's Prayer

Lord, thou knowest 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 the 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 friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the endless recital of 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, oh Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Reply to
Polly Esther
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Thanks Polly, a timely message for me as I turn 67 next year and want to be a better person. This will help me - I am going to print it and hang it on my sewing/computer room wall.

Happy New Year.

Di On the beautiful Mornington Peninsula Vic. Aust.

Reply to
Di Maloney

I was feeling very melancholy today and this helped me to see that there are others suffering more than me. Thanks, Polly. I also printed it out for my desk at work, maybe others who complain constantly will see it, read it and i hope it sinks in! Thanks, Again!

Reply to
amy in SoCal

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