Diane at
http://looniesforlindor.blogspot.ca/ posted this poem , it resonated with me....
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 every one'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."
This poem spoke to me on a number of levels, first I am getting older and it is easy to fall into counting every ache and pain, 2nd saintly I am not but outright unkind I try not to be, tho I think when younger I was not so thoughtful of others.... 3rd I need help on seeing the good in some people....... serenity dealing with some who are driven by avarice.Lastly patience in dealing with the infirm...... to sum up this poem is my 2013 resolution......
