From Gateway to Joy by Elisabeth Elliot.
It is attributed to a seventeenth-century nun.
Lord, You know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old. Keep me from... the fatal habit of thinking I must say something in 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, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind from the recital of endless details-give me wings to come to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure the 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 will 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 woman 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 the grace to tell them so.
Practical wisdom.
Reading this again as I grow closer to the nun's age.
Encourage one another,
Donna
Encourage one another,
Donna
Oh, Donna! You have the best bits of wisdom to share with us! Thank you for sharing this. It gives me pause and many things to contemplate.
ReplyDeleteDee S.
You're not getting older, you are only getting better in every way!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers, jep
this has been on the inside door of my parent's downstairs bathroom for ever and I know have a copy up in my kitchen and I know it off by heart! Realising it is getting more relevant the older I get
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