The 17th Century Nun Prayer

"It's been rough lately."  I say, as if that explains why Noel hasn't memorized one of her parts for the Preschool Graduation tomorrow.  It doesn't explain why there are four baskets of laundry that we ransack each morning as we get dressed or why we use paper plates more often than not at rushed meals of mac-n-cheese and peas.  It's been rough because we seem to have a rotating sickness in the family, and I know...I'm not the only mom to endure a few sleepless nights with a kid that pukes one, then two, then three, and finally four times on me in a 4-hour span.  Or even better, pukes in a hallway on the way to the bathroom.  (Thanks Noel, for attempting to get to the bathroom...next time, please use the bowl we gave you.)  So, before I really get carried away with this tale of woe (and trust me-there is a tale), here's some food for thought by a 17th Century Nun:

          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 occassion. Release me from the 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, I want a few friends at the end.
          
          Keep my mind free from the endless recital of 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 others' pains, 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 occassionally, 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, Lord, the grace to tell them so.
        
             Amen

I love this for so many reasons...probably most of all because it makes me laugh, and at the moment laughter is keeping me afloat.  To be honest, laughter and cookies, because two hours of sleep per night is most definitely NOT the answer to a sane and happy woman!  Hopefully we can all snuggle up and get some real sleep soon.   

If only we could spend everyday at the playground...