I love, love, love this book, which I found at St. Vincent DePaul's Thrift store near my home. It is written by Philip M. Kanfush, O.S.B. The book is titled "Renewed Each Morning." Which one of us does not need renewed each morning? I believe we all need to start the day on a positive note, then when difficult circumstances confront us, we have some positive perspective on which we can rely to get us through without falling apart.
I am not Catholic, so I wondered if the book would be difficult for me to relate to. However, the title and picture on the front captured my attention. I perused the book while in the thrift store, and it looked like some good and positive reading, so I purchased it. When I am reading books about how to act and react to life, I keep a highlighter close by, so I can highlight passages or sentences that really impact my perspective. Then, in a notebook, I write down those positive passages/sentences so I can run across them again and be positively influenced by them again and again! Some books I pass along after I have highlighted and written things down from them, but some books, like this one, I will keep for a second reading.
Here is a prayer that Mr. Kanfush shares in his book. I think it is pretty cool that it was written so long ago but is so timely for today!
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 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 in 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 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 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.
