Devotion - Tueday, September 23

I write these morning devotions for the students, but there are a number of folks on the recipient list who are closer to my age.  A reading in my devotional guide was too insightful to fail to share.  It is attributed to a 17th century Mother Superior.  Her words are wise; even for those who are still in their second decade of life:

Lord, you know better than myself that I am growing older and will some day be old.  Keep me from getting talkative and particularly for the fatal habit of thinking that I mush say something on every subject on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.  Keep my mind from the recital of endless details - give me wings to come to the point.

I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of other's pains.  But seal my lips on my own aches and pains - they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.  Help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.  Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that 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 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.

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.

Amen.