MIF 6:6 (Nov-Dec 1974)
Editorial
For over twenty years a little booklet has been sent to me from one of my alma maters, John B. Stetson University in DeLand, Florida (Florida’s oldest university, by the way). The title of the booklet is “Whatsoever Things,” taken, of course, from Philippians 4:8. Published only from time to time, each issue generally contains interesting and instructive anecdotes, pithy quotes, and wise counsel in the form of a brief editorial which, as would be expected, focuses attention on the field of education.
The back page of the latest issue featured a short article entitled, “A Prayer As We Grow Older.” Its author is unknown. Each petition of the prayer is filled with good advice for those who are getting on in years, although young people would do well to apply its contents where they can and keep the rest in mind for future reference. The prayer reads as follows:
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Keep my mind from the recital of endless details - give me wings to get to the point.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy.
I dare not ask for grace to enjoy the tales of others but help me to endure them with patience.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people. Give me grace to tell them so.
Here’s a prayer we can profitably take with us into the New Year. If need be, let’s see to it that we pray it often, at the same time diligently seeking to answer it in our daily walk and talk.
—W. Ross Rainey