Dear God, sunbeams and drops of warm rain build me up, even in these winter days. You shine on me, though I be a misshapen lump of clay. I need but look left and right to discover the bounty you have heaped around me.

What have I done to merit such love? These riches overwhelm. Imperfect and small, I know if I were to get my just desserts the result would be misery. Yet instead you shine, shine upon me.

What a discovery, dear Lord: you love me without condition. I already have all I need here at my feet.

If I can be so saved then others may, too. Let me spread this news.

(Letter #1444)

Dear God, let me deliver your news to all comers today. Let me deplete myself, leaving nothing in reserve. Let me give with abandon.

But no, I hold back, I rest, I pace myself. I face the world and its demands timidly.

Make of me a powerfully flowing stream. Let me rush on, rush on, and wear smooth the stones, straighten the river bend.

You are at my back, with all the motive force I need. Let me pass along your loving power.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1443)

Dear God, Can I walk today, with light feet, disturbing nothing? Let my footfalls crush not a twig or leaf. Let me leave behind only love, dear Lord, in the hearts of those I meet.

Yet I sow chaos too often as I march through these days, kicking up dust even as I imagine I am trying to help. Let me learn to go gently, Lord, gently.

Let even my footprints disappear, the blades of grass unfurl. If one meets me, let them feel only warmth and new growth that I pass along from you.

(Letter #1442)

Dear God, of all the gifts you have bestowed upon me, this one is foremost: this day. You have created this day just for me. You order the happenings, you guide my footfalls and reactions. I imagine I have plans, but in truth all has been designed.

You greet me with love, dear Lord. I am already loved.

Let me run through the halls of this day like a child through a comfortable home, with room after room. Let me greet each moment, each turning, with wonder. You have arranged it.

(Letter #1441)

Dear God, you have held my hand and gently pulled me along your pathways, in small steps, until here I am. The land around me is rich with fruit and teeming with fellow creatures.

Such pity I have for the frightened, worried, resentful one who began this walk with you. That one was as a frightened rabbit, fearful of the smallest movement. That one was riddled with defects, with pride and selfishness and slothfulness, the consequences of which were a great weight. Chaos was nigh.

Lord, as we walk along these byways, I struggle with the same shortcomings, but I feel so strongly your shining love. The worries fade. The sloth abates. Bit by bit, I think more of my fellows.

O! Lord, let me have gratitude for how far this guidance has brought me. Let me share this vision of bounty that you show me. Resting with you, I know all is abundance. My fleeting worries are simply misperceptions.

Sit with me, Lord, and warm me. Let us watch beauty together.

(Letter #1440)

Dear God, let not my mind be cluttered today. My thoughts dart from point to point, from thought to thought, from fear to fear. I cry out for ease, yet it is my own rushing thought that blocks the way to peace.

Lord, drip slow sweet honey over my frantic mind. Still me.

Let the birds visit; I need not run after them.

(Letter #1439)

Dear God, let me find a spot in this land that I can tend to and improve for others.

In this forest with its twisting pathways, let me set myself to care for a forgotten corner. Let me, Lord, make it a welcoming and quiet garden, a protected oasis in a wilderness. Travelers on these paths may come upon my garden; let me give them rest and ease. This is its purpose.

Your sun shines down upon the forest canopy and sprinkles its light over all. Perhaps other visitors will make their own gardens.

Lord, let us, your children, play in the ease of this day.

(Letter #1438)