To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else. ~Dalai Lama

But it’s so obvious
to see shortcomings
in other people!
Our own are embarrassing
and we don’t want to see them!
Besides, they aren’t that bad
and we don’t know
…or don’t want to know…
how to change them.
But there’s a way…even a script to follow…
God, I offer myself to Thee—
to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them
may bear witness to those I would help
of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
Then you can continue with…
My Creator, I am now willing
that you should have all of me,
good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me
every single defect of character
which stands in the way of my usefulness
to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here,
to do your bidding. Amen.”
These, of course, are set out in the Big Book
of Alcoholics Anonymous and known by
recovering people with a variety of shortcomings!