Letter 4360

The deer I usually see when I cross the field has not appeared for some days. I recognize it by its distinctive markings. Were it not so unique, I would not know it. Were it not absent, I would not now be thinking of it.

What else do I notice only when it is missing?

❖

Let me appreciate and be present to all that now surrounds me, Lord.

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Consider:

Can I be more present today?

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Reading:

❖ “Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.” — Thomas Fuller

❖ “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” — Cesare Pavese

❖ “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?” — Psalm 34:12

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

~B.R.

Letter 4359

Walking uphill with a friend. We laugh. The time goes by so quickly. At a switchback vista, we stop and look. The valley is glowing.

A week ago I walked the same path, and did not stop. My eyes were downcast the whole journey, watching footfall after footfall.

Is the difference the companion? What we speak of? The day, the season? The path has not changed.

❖

Lord, let me find joy wherever it exists, without questioning its provenance.

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Consider:

Can I find joy today?

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Reading:

❖ “Joy is not in things; it is in us.” — Richard Wagner

❖ “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” — Dalai Lama

❖ “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

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

~B.R.

Letter 4358

By what standards do I judge a meadow? How do I evaluate the river?

During morning chores, so many of my duties involve ordering what has become disordered. Sweeping the porch. Putting away tools left out. Cutting back the hedge.

The meadow grows without consulting me. The river bends as it will. Neither seeks my approval.

❖

Can I learn more about refraining from judgment? Perhaps what is disordered in my thoughts is the river bending as it will. Perhaps my life is a meadow without need of approval.

Lord, let me love the ground within me.

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Consider:

Can I judge myself as little as I do the meadow?

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Reading:

❖ “Beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” — Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī

❖ “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.” — Matsuo Bashō

❖ “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” — Matthew 7:1 (KJV)

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

~B.R.

Letter 4357

In the blowing wind, my voice is swept away before I hear it.

In the square, my fellows must lean in to hear.

❖

You have given me such a quiet voice, Lord. One who discovers it must come close.

In a shut room, when I speak I am startled at the volume. Perhaps it is the setting that matters equally as the voice.

❖

Let me speak where you would have me have me heard, Lord.

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Consider:

Can I discern where my voice is most needed?

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Reading:

❖ “The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.” — Mahatma Gandhi

❖ “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11 (KJV)

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

~B.R.