Nun of your concern

What's a picture like this doing on a nice Jewish girl's blog?  Well, I stumbled upon this 17th Century Nun's Prayer, and thought that people of all faiths (or no faith) might enjoy it.  So, instead of writing for you this week, I'm posting the words of this wonderful, and slightly wicked nun.

Painting: Henrietta Browne

Lord.

Thou knowest 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 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 detail: 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 grace
to enjoy the tales of other's pain but help me to endure them with patience. I
dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening
cocksureness 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.