Posterity

Letter 4407

I encountered a pile of rocks on my walk this morning. I stacked them into a cairn for others to see.

Was I showing off? Or is it a gift for later walkers? Would I be happy without others knowing who did it?

❖

Let me become comfortable with anonymity, Lord.

Consider:

Can I have truly humility today?

Reading:

❖ “Society is indeed a contract… a partnership between the dead, the living, and those yet to be born.” — Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France

❖ “Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent.” — Mother Teresa, A Gift for God

❖ “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” — Matthew 6:3 (KJV)

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

Moving

Letter 4406

I moved from one dwelling to another. All my possessions, more than I had thought I had, are now with me in piles.

When before I marveled at the bounty you bestowed upon me, Lord, I now rue the hoarding and collecting.

❖

Let me refind gratitude, Lord.

Consider:

Can I be grateful for your grace?

Reading:

❖ “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” — Seneca, Letters to Lucilius

❖ “The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.” — Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness

❖ “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” — 1 Timothy 6:8 (KJV)

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

Preparation

Letter 4405

Prior to leaving my dwelling in the morning, I wash and groom myself. I put away my night clothes and bedding. I tidy my room and sweep.

To what end, if I am to be gone all day? To what end, if I will journey and pick up road dust in any case?

❖

I do not know whom I will meet and wish to return with. I do not know who may come calling in the eve. I do not know when I will again have the opportunity to prepare my space for visitors.

And I will want a made bed into which to fall at the end of the day.

Consider:

Can I see all things as preparation?

Reading:

❖ “In all things, success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” — Confucius, Analects

❖ “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” — Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life

❖ “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

Practice and Practice

Letter 4404

It took many seasons, many tries before I was able to grow my garden. So many times the vegetables were eaten, or they withered.

Is my calling to you, Lord, the same? Must I try and try before I finally reach you?

My morning devotions, seeking you and calling you, even when desultory they have their effect. I learn to draw near, I learn to wait in stillness.

❖

Each unsuccessful season in the garden taught me.

Let me draw near to you, Lord, even imperfectly.

Consider:

Can I seek you even when I feel imperfect?

Reading:

❖ “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

❖ “However gentle and hidden it be, prayer is the beginning of all saintliness.” — Howard Thurman, The Inward Journey

❖ “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 (KJV)

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.