I came across a prayer the other day that was said to have been prayed by a nun in the seventeenth century. It goes like this: “Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday 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 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 you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.”
A pretty good prayer.
The Apostle James reminds us, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
So, with God’s help, let’s make this day count for something good and for something positive. Let’s resist the urge to straighten out everyone’s affairs. A nun from the 1600's reminds us to be cautious.
The book of Job has these profound words, “Multitude of years should teach wisdom.” (Job 32:7) May that be true for my life. May that be true for all of us.