Dear God, it is easy to see you in the beauty that surrounds me and in the small doings of life that bring ease: a kind word, or an averted trouble.

But grant me, O Lord, the eyes to see you in all things. Let me find you in the plain, in the homely, in the difficult. The mire from which I seek to rise – you have made. Even the trial which I seek to overcome, the danger from which I run – you have made. Grant me the faith to sing joy even in the dullest days.

(Letter #1416)

Dear God, you stand ready to enfold me in your love, if only I approach. Knock, you say, and I may enter. Do you then withhold from me, awaiting my call? No – even in my obstinacy, you raise me up on a glowing cloud, indeed you deliver joy whilst I stubbornly sulk.

Lord, your love is pervasive. I need not deserve it.

How can I live as you demonstrate, O Lord? Let me love my fellows even when bitter words flow my way. Let me gaze with love at a locked door, knowing it may open.

(Letter #1415)

Dear God, what is the catalog of gifts received? This breath. The next. A sense of ease between tasks. Strength to endure hardship. Joy over loved ones’ health.

Lord, let me not look and wait for riches. Let me shun acclaim. Let me see these small gifts as treasures to be sought and husbanded.

Today’s dramatic ecstasy will become yesterday’s dim shadow. Yet meanwhile this constant trickle of small and momentary gifts will flow to me, drop by drop, creating a pool of relief and joy.

Let me value these cool waters, dear Lord.

(Letter #1414)

Dear God, you promise me trouble in this world and you show me how it may be conquered.

Let me accept trial as a gift, let it pass through me, blowing clean the landscape. Blast away my selfishness, grind down my pride. What is left? Let it be love, dear Lord, and not cowering, selfish fear.

Alone on a dark plain, after the storm, let this candle glow and draw near to me the other survivors. Let them slip into this pool of light to join me.

(Letter #1413)