Quibs and Quotes

I found the following among my “clippings” for which there was no author given, but I think most of us would do well to consider.

“Lord, you know I am growing older. Keep me from becoming 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. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong. Make me thoughtful and not nosey, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom and experience, it does seem a pity not to use it at all. But You know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.”

Then, someone else has put it this way: “The more right one is, the more careful he should be to express his opinion tactfully. The other fellow never likes to be proved wrong.” On the other hand: “People who will not admit they have been wrong, love themselves more than they love the truth.”

- Elder Virgil F. Lowrance


As age comes upon me, I become more familiar with the sentiments expressed above. Special thanks to Jack and Henrietta Clayton who gave me a copy of Elder Lowrance’s book. It has become a cherished part of my library, both in how it chronicle’s a previous Harmony PBC pastor’s thoughts on a variety of topics, but also as a reminder of the love and dedication that Jack and Henrietta have shown to the Lord, to his church, and to the pastors of His flock.

- Elder Daniel Samons