Friday, September 4, 2009

Words Of Wisdom

I found these old autograph books of hers in the "hope chest" in the far corner of the attic. Out of curiosity I opened them and read the sentiments written by her sixth grade friends, many years ago, 1945 to be exact. Somewhat silly the writings were, and in varying styles of penmanship. But, one stood out with it's beautifully styled handwriting and a valuable message, that is as pertinent today as it was back then. It was written by her sixth grade teacher, at the little elementary school down the main street from where she lived.


It was addressed to her personally by this teacher. And, in case you cannot read the poorly photographed copy above, it states the following;
"If wisdom's ways you'd wisely seek,
Five things observe with care,
Of whom you speak,
To whom you speak,
And, how, and when, and where."
What perfectly shared advice for a precious sixth grade girl back then, and for her fifty some year old daughter today.
Words...so powerful, and they can last a lifetime. I thought about those sentiments that the sixth graders shared with each other back then, and I wondered what would they write to each other today, if they still did "autograph books?"
I was reading a book in the last few weeks titled,"Stories For A Woman's Heart." In it I read a short piece that I want to take to heart. It is "A Prayer For Those Growing Older" ~author unknown
Lord, Thou knowest that I am growing older.
Keep me from growing talkative and possessed with the idea that I must express myself on every subject.
Release me from the craving to straighten out everyone's affairs.
Keep me from the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains. They are increasing with the years and my love to speak of them grows sweeter as time goes by.
Make me thoughtful but not nosey; helpful but not bossy.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.
With my vast store of wisdom and experience, it does seem a pity not to use it all. But thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends in the end."




10 comments:

Stacey said...

Very sweet post. I've read the prayer before and boy do I need to remember it! As I grow older, my desire to say what's on my mind grows.

Barb said...

Judy, this is wonderful. I am going to type this out and put it in a frame for my desk. Thank you.

The Slatkin and Co. candles that I have are from QVC and come in a beautiful set. Just type in Slatkin and Co. in the search bar on QVC. The containers are breathtaking in themselves. The scents are Roasted Chestnuts (my favorite) Pear and Pumpkin. They are truly wonderful.

Your comments always leave me with a smile...you are so dear.

Barb :-)

Judy said...

I am going to copy that prayer as well...and make it mine. How nicely put! And how nice to have your mom's autograph book from the sixth grade...that is a treasure!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I used to love those old autograph books. The prayer you shared is good reminder. Pretty photos.

Kathleen Grace said...

Amen! I love both these sentiments and I believe they are perfect advice for anyone. Thank you for sharing this.

Alison said...

I absolutely love that excerpt...thank you for sharing...I think I could use some "wings to get to the point" sometimes! :)

Anonymous said...

I recently saw a middle school memory book that belonged to my GD's friend. It did not say anything that nice. More smart alecy I would say. Things have sure changed in so many areas.
QMM

a woman who is said...

I think I need to memorize the growing old one! Such truth. I am so impressed with that sixth grade teacher!

Tracy said...

Oh, how I loved this post! What words of wisdom all those years ago. What a great prayer. I too have seen it before, but with the impending marriage of my son and the start of a new relationship with my daughter-in-love and her family...this is oh so important to keep at the forefront of my mind. Thank you for sharing this today. Blessings to you for this holiday weekend! = )

Happy@Home said...

What a treasure to find your mom's autograph book. Her teacher sure did offer some good advice.
I also think the prayer is wonderful advice. I may need to copy it and post it near my computer as a daily reminder.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

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