Thursday, July 05, 2007

Aging With Grace.....

Aging With Grace

I know 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 trying 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 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 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 theirs, 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 person is one of the crowning works of the Devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people....and give me the grace to tell them so.

And keep me humble until the end.

5 comments:

Marci said...

I really like this Clara. Did you write it?

Rachel said...

Oh Clara, I am just now reading about your MIL passing away. I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like she was truly a wonderful woman. How is your husband taking it? My condolences to all of you. Do take care dear Clara!!

Mountain Mama said...

Wow! Ssome of these sure came up and grabbed me! This is a good reminder for those of us who are approaching or enduring our golden years.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I LOVE this Clara and agree with it all...I pray I can do all these things...Some, I'm finding difficult but I guess I cannot ask too much of myself!(LOL)

I loved what you said to me....
"The Years have been kind to you..."!
My dearest BEST FRIEND and Soul Mate, who died in 1985, said that to my sister when she was about 50....He was from Montgomery, ALabama...And I have always loved that phrase...As did my sister!

Lovely to meet you there in Tennessee, Clara....
I wish I had the answer to yoyr Cucumber question...but I don't have a clue...I think it is fabulous to have grown your own Cucumbers and I bet they taste FANTASTIC, right off the vine!

Jana said...

Amen Clara, and thanks for the reminders.