May My Life Be Like A Tortoise

As I walk through life, may my steps be like those of a

tortoise, sure and steady.

No matter what obstacle is placed in his path, he will

eventually find a way round, over or under it.

And if any unthinking person should pick him up and

put him down again facing the opposite way, he will

always turn round, find his original path, and head for his

ultimate goal.

May I be covered like the tortoise with a hard, round,

waterproof shell, to protect me from the knocks and bruises

of life and give me shelter from the storms, and should I ever

fall flat on my back, may a friend always be there to turn me

gently on my feet again.

May my skin be like that of a tortoise, thick and leathery,

so that harsh words spoken in anger will not pierce my

heart.

May my heart be like the legs and claws of a tortoise,

sturdy and strong, and no matter how hard, dry or stony the

ground may be, I shall always be able to dig in it and plant

the seeds of happiness, peace and contentment, and may all

the seeds that I plant in my life grow and flower and bear

wondrous fruits. 

And lastly, may my eyes be like those of the tortoise,

shiny and bright, never looking back at the storm clouds

gathered behind, but always looking ahead to a bright and

shiny future.

Inspired by The British Chelonia Group Newsletter, from the book of Tortoise by Peter Young