A 17th Century Nun Prayed ‘Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and someday will be old.’
Recently, I went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a small village here in New Zealand. In 1892, Suzanne Aubert (better known as Mother Mary Joseph) established the congregation of the Sisters of Compassion.
On this pilgrimage, my fellow pilgrims and I stayed in the convent.
On the walls were various pieces of art.
My eyes were drawn to a small picture with text. 
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and someday will be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from the 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 then recital of endless details; give me wings to get to 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 enough to enjoy the tales of other’s pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory but for a growing humility and lessening cock sureness 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 person is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see the good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people.
And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Anonymous–17th century.
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash
