17th Century Nun’s Prayer

Below is one of the best poems i have every read. It reminds me that one of the greatest achievements in life is to get to the place where you quit trying to impress others and recognize your own short comings. ha

Lord, Though 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 an 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 friends at
the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give
me wings to get to that 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 improved memory, but for a growing
humility and a lessing 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. 

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