Old Timer's Prayer
Lord, keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details - give me wings to get to the point.
I ask for the grace to listen to the tales of others pains. Help me to endure them in patience.
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.
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 becoming a bitter old timer would be one of the crowning works of my alcoholism.
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 in the end.
(Yes, I may possibly have tweaked this a tiny bit to make it more on point, but I don't think "Unknown" will mind.)
28 yrs sober and 65 yrs old. I so needed that!
Thanks HP for SP, and his valued service work on the web
Posted by: Maia | March 06, 2012 at 06:20 AM
20 & 58, we all need reminders ! Our tools are always right there in the book !! oxoxojc
Posted by: Jc Anderson | March 10, 2012 at 02:34 PM