A Good Reminder for Growing Old

A book recently published by a friend, “Wake Up, Its Gap Time” provides some good advice for those of us in retirement.

Chapter One caught my attention right away. It is “Aging is not optional, but growing old is.” Martha Madden, author, quotes one of my favorite prayers, which she says she found in the diary of her mother. When I was a pastor, I often distributed it to members of my congregations. It goes like this:

“Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am growing older.

Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every occasion.

Release me from craving to try 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 grace enough to listen to the tales of others’ pains. Help me to endure them with patience, but seal my lips on my aches and pains—they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is there.

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.

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.”

Thanks, Martha, for reminding us of this eloquent and poignant prayer.