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A 17TH. PRAYER FOR SOON-TO-BE SENIORS 'Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions.' Ecclesiastes 7:10 The following is a prayer written by an anonymous saint in the Seventeenth Century: Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older, and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject 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 pit 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 the point swiftly. 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 other pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not asked 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 may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a sour old person - some of them are so hard to live with, and each one a crowning work of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in un- expected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen. --Sent to me by Friend Anita Barrett --wade burton 4/5/08 burton's bantering: Don't worry about getting old. It is better to be 'over the hill' than under it. ** Today's giant old oak tree is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. ??? 
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