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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 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 you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind from the recital of endless details-give me
the wings to come to the point. My aches and pains 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 them 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 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 woman is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give
me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and the talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell
them so.
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