Prayer for a pass mark
Dear God,
I would like a second chance.
I would like not to have asthma that leaves me short of breath these November mornings.
I would like not to have allergies that make me sneeze or my eyes run or my skin break out in rashes.
I would like to have been good at something sporting; not brilliant, just good enough to have made a team.
I would like to have been artistic; it doesn’t matter what, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, anything would have done.
I would like to have been musical; just enough to be able to sit down at the piano and pick out the odd tune.
I would like to have been able to sing, not be in a choir or anything like that, certainly not to be singing solos; just to be able to sing the same tune as everyone else.
I would like to have been good with my hands; metalwork, woodwork, electronics, anything practical, so I wouldn’t manage to stick a screwdriver into my hand when I’m changing a plug.
I would like to have had a feel for the world around me; instead of knowing two trees and four flowers.
I would like to have been good at dancing and to have been fun at parties, instead of having sticking out feet and a dread of having to meet strangers.
I would like to have been able to remember stories and poems and plays, just a few lines to pass myself at the appropriate occasions.
i would like to be assertive and confident and able to cope with the most difficult situation, instead of having a sinking feeling in my stomach at the slightest awkward phone call.
I would like to be a good speaker, instead of getting through my lines at the speed of a commentator in the closing furlong of the Derby.
I would like lots of things on my second chance, God.
Except sitting in church last night, I read Moses say, “Here I am”.
Here I am, and here each one of us is.
And there’s no second chance.
So, God, just one favour. please. A pass mark, 50%, and I will ask no more.
Dear Ian,
I know one thing you are good at.
You are a very good writer. It’s not easy to
express yourself as well as you do. Even if you
are lamenting your shortcomings, you are doing
it in fine style.
Ian
Don’t put yourself down, as Nancy told you, you have a great wit and people enjoy reading your writings. I know your prayer was meant to be serious but most of it had me in stitches!!As a priest you must also have a gift for listening to and helping people in need in your parish and further beyond.A patience and understanding that I do not have.
Nancy,
You are very kind (your cheque is in the post ;-)).
Les,
There was a pop song in the late 70s about being in the kitchen at parties, I felt it was written for me! The prayer was written half tongue in cheek, but sometimes humour is the best way of making serious points. I knew a man who was a brilliant schoolmaster and got the OBE, after he retired he started doing very different things, including building a granite wall. He pointed at the wall and said, “Do you know, that wall gave me more satisfaction than almost anything I have done.” I know what he meant.
Peggy and I sat in the Rectory one day discussing the numerous talents spread between Katharine and you. I commented that I had yet to find my hidden talents or vocation in life to which she replied that she was still looking for hers. I think she was about 78 or 79 at the time. We had a good laugh about it as Peggy often did.
Ian, you underrate yourself as all modest people do. Think of your virtues. Communication with wit is a great gift! Better get used to it . . .there’s no interventionist God you know. She’s off mucking about with some other race at the moment! I’m not a girl of the faith but I’m pretty sure you’ve passed!
Ian for years I had a dread of having to meet strangers. Then I realised how much fiun I was missing.
Think of all the ‘Toy boys’ I missed! 😉