The Clown's Prayer

As I stumble through this life,

help me to create more laughter than tears,

dispense more happiness than gloom,

spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me become so indifferent

that I will fail to see the wonder

in the eyes of a child

or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort

is to cheer people, make them happy

and forget - at least momentarily -

all the unpleasantness in their lives.

And, in my final moment,

may I hear You whisper:

'When you made My people smile,

you made Me smile.'