“The Royalty of Inward Happiness”
“Grant us, O Lord, the royalty of inward happiness and serenity which comes from living close to thee. Daily renew in us the sense of joy and let the eternal spirit of love dwell in our souls and bodies, filling us with light and grace so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we may be diffusers of life and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving thanks always for all things…”
Adapted from an Episcopal Prayer
A friend of mine sent me this prayer. She did not know who wrote it, but said it was one she used in her daily meditation. I went on the internet and found it among the “Prayers on Growing Older” from the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, c. 1999. That got me thinking about the blessings of growing older. I am now the age that my grandmother was (64) when she came to live with us full time.
Her name was Mayda and she was born in 1892. My grandfather, Elbert, courted her in a horse drawn carriage. She graduated from the Georgia Conservatory of Music around 1912, taught music, and played piano for the Methodist Church
Having that much life experience gives one a broader view. In our society, we view aging as a disease; something almost shameful. However, there are certain advantages that come with age, not the least of which is inward happiness. The job of older people is not to run things, but to bless things. It is to shed light on situations that require experience and the perspective that comes from living long. It is our “work” to let go of outer power and take hold of inner power, the power that comes from spirit. The last third of life is happy and serene for many people.
My grandmother lived to be eighty-eight. She woke up everyday, applied her make-up, and snapped on “ear-bobs” and pearls. She played both Bach and Scott Joplin with equal gusto until the very end.
In all things give thanks,
Jane Philips
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