There’s one relationship we all have that’s often neglected. It’s our relationship with our self. To relate well with our self  is to be self-aware, and to every now and then ask, “Am I truly the person I think I am?”

The Apostle Paul speaks to this in Romans 12:3 “…I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in evaluation of yourselves…” (NLT)

Here's an example of someone who understood this; someone who had great self-awareness. It’s a prayer from a nun who lived in the 17th century.

17th Century Nun’s Prayer

Lord, Thou knowest 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 Thou knowest 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 rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness 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. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

AMEN

How self-aware are you? How do you come across to people?

Are you brave enough to want to find out?

Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am,

John