On a recent trip west I came across the following text in a publication at the Mission of San Luis Rey. The author was a nun from the 17th century, but I found the text as current as that of any self-help guru today.
Lord, Thou knowest, better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old.
Keep Me from getting talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject.
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 my 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 other's pains. Help me to endure them with patience.
Keep Me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint, some of them are hard to live with; but a sour woman is one of the crowning works of the devil.
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.
I think that just about says it all, don't you?
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