A Birthday Prayer for Aging
On my 50th birthday, I wrote a Growing Older Mission Statement. More than 20 years later, I continue to try to live out those words. I hope you’ll read more …
Today, my husband and I are driving home from Reno, Nevada, where we spent time with our older daughter’s family. Ron and I enjoyed hosting a special dinner while there, celebrating a college graduation, five birthdays, and an anniversary. We love honoring family members’ special days!
June is my birthday month. Birthdays for the past several years have been reality checks that indeed I am getting older! Mostly, I am comfortable with the aging process. Yes, there are parts I dislike. But there are some qualities of aging I like. Most definitely, there are other aspects of growing older for which I now have greater appreciation.
On my 50th birthday, I decided to write a Growing Older Mission Statement, which read:
I will grow old with dignity, grace, and a sense of humor!
More than 20 years later, I am still trying to live out those words. Some days are easier than others!
One of my special “soul friends” is a feisty woman who lived during the 1500’s. Teresa of Ávila influenced reformation within the Catholic Church when women were given little voice. She was a person of ironclad convictions, profound faith, razor-sharp intellect, and a keen sense of humor.
Teresa was a prolific author, and many of her insightful prayers are used over 500 years later. One of my favorites is this Aging Prayer, which is widely attributed to her. I hope you’ll enjoy the sentiments. Some may even sound familiar in your own journey of growing older.
Aging Prayer – Teresa of Ávila
Lord, You know better than I know myself,
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 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.
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 improved memory,
but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness
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, for 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, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Amen.
– Attributed to Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)
No matter where you are in the aging process, blessings on your journey,
