From Seeds April – May 2024

Poems and short writings can stick in the mind. We tuck them into purses or the back of a book, pulling them out occasionally, smiling with recognition. Here are three such writings. Two have come from Molly Glen. First, a New Year message she received from a friend made through her niece’s marriage; second, a 17th century nun’s prayer, which Molly read at the Burns Lunch, and sometimes referred to as a prayer about growing old gracefully. Finally, Tony Chan has been reflecting on acts of kindness and the way they can be ‘good for the mind’.

WAFA’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE (FROM MOLLY)

May you always have enough happiness to keep you smiling enough trials to keep you strong enough success to keep you confident enough faith to keep you going and enough belief to know that each day is a gift moving forward into 2024.

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY NUN’S PRAYER

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 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 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 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 enough to enjoy the tales of other’s pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for 10 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.

KINDNESS, BY TONY CHAN

It’s nice and lovely to be kind, indeed it is a good trait and a rare find. Kindness soothes, is calm and gentle and good for the mind. It gives you a break from the monotony and from the grind. You can relax and rewind, indeed you will feel fine, as you tow the line. Because you did the right thing, of which generosity you did bring. To goodness grace and mercy you cling, as from your heart and same hymn book you sing. An angel has your protection and has you under their wing.