For right now, I don't "feel like" getting inside my mother's head. I can't do it anyway, so for now, I'm going to go a different direction. It's not like I haven't been off the track anyway. So, today I want to share a prayer that I found in one of my grandmother's journals. It was written by my Aunt Cissy. She was in several clubs, etc..., and I have a feeling she wrote this to be prayed at the beginning or end of a meeting. It is titled:
A Prayer For the Middle-Aged
Lord, thou knowest better than I would know myself that I am growing older and that some day I shall be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on 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 thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from recital of endless details, give me wings to get at 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 to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for growing humility, and a lessening of cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory 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.
S.M.B.
A Prayer For the Middle-Aged
Lord, thou knowest better than I would know myself that I am growing older and that some day I shall be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on 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 thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from recital of endless details, give me wings to get at 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 to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for growing humility, and a lessening of cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory 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.
S.M.B.
how wise Aunt Cissy was. This is wonderful Julia--thank you so much for sharing it with us ♥
ReplyDeleteI love the part where she asks, "Keep me sweet." I wish that for myself as well since I don't care to be around crabby people either. Thank you for sharing this prayer.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I've just discovered this prayer written by your aunt! How utterly poignant & truthful!
ReplyDeleteMay I share it with my church's senior group, LAM?? (Lifelong Adult Ministry) I know they would enjoy & appreciate it. I would give Aunt Cissy & you full credit.
I don't see an email on your blog for me to contact you, so if you would email me via the link on MY blog, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
fondly,
Rett