Successful Aging

I recently purchased a book entitled The Joys of Successful Aging.














As I ponder its title, wondering what "successful aging" might be... (Accepting all that life brings, at every stage? Being happy?) ... I am still enjoying the tips the book offers, such as:

• Try to maintain a sense of humor.
  
• Avoid talking about your aches and pains...

Also its large collection of quotes. I shared three the other day. Here is yet another, a prayer perhaps falsly attributed to a 17th-century nun.

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself, that I am growing older and will some day be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and 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 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 aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a 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; 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.

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. Amen.

Whoever wrote it, I love it! (And I give my children permission to remind me of its wise words whenever necessary!)