After ringing the bell to call the meeting to order, President Doug Person asked Col. Alden Cunningham to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 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 you know 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 reciting them is becoming greater as the years go by.
I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains,
but help me 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.
