I happened upon this poem on a blog that I was reading recently. They said they found it folded up in the pages of an old bible. I thought it had a good message and wanted to pass it along.
"Now, Lord, you've known me a long time. You know me better then I know myself. You know that each day I am growing older and someday may be very old, so meanwhile please keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from trying to straighten out everyone's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody, helpful but not overbearing. I've a certain amount of knowledge to share: still it would be nice to have a few friends who, at the end, recognized and forgave the knowledge I lacked.
Keep my tongue from the recital of endless details. Seal my lips on my aches and pains: they increase daily and the need to speak of them becomes almost a compulsion. I ask for grace enough to listen to the retelling of others' afflictions and to be helped to endure them with patience.
I would like to have improved memory, but I'll settle for growing humility and an ability to capitulate when my memory clashes with the memory of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that on some occasion I might be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably kind; I've never aspired to be a saint... saints must be rather difficult to leave with... yet on the other hand, an embittered old person is a constant burden.
Please give me the ability to see good in unlikely places and talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so, dear Lord."
Some thought provoking words to ponder. Wouldn't it be interesting to meet the person who wrote this?
