ADVICE FROM THE 16TH CENTURY?
Time to have a smile.
Here is an amusing poem on ageing, supposedly written by a nun in the 16th Century. (?)
Does it ring any bells with you?!
A PRAYER FOR ALL WHO ARE GETTING OLDER
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old.
Keep me from becoming talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try 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 the recital of endless details : give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips from many aches and pains. They are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others’ pains. Help me to endure them with patience. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken! Help me to extract all possible fun out of life; there are so many funny things around us and I do not want to miss any of them. AMEN.
