Dear God, do I face my fellows, and they me? Arrayed forces across a battle plain? Stern demeanors across the negotiating table? What do we demand and expect from one another?

O, Lord, how exhausting is the life of battle and demand! Grant me a new vision.

When mixed with my brothers and sisters, let me not see rank upon rank. Let me see instead a loving family. I am present for them, and they for me.

Lord, grant me an awakening. Let me see how I am to approach my fellows, as friend and brother. Let me speak and act in ways that draw us together.

(Letter #1,510)

Dear God, what kinds of miracles do you perform in my life?

You alter my path to steer me around calamity. You place ideas in my head when I am unsure what to do. You speak to me in the voice of others. You deliver trials when I am ready to grow.

And yet, day by day, worry clouds my site. I carry tomorrow’s burdens, yet you come to help with today’s only. He sat down this worrisome stone, and walk on.

I am walking along this path with others. They are watching me to see how I step, what I carry with me, what kind of expression I hold.

Let me provide a good example. Let my pack hold only what is necessary, let my gait be measured, let my countenance beam with a smile.

Lord, let my leadership be fellowship.

(Letter #1,509)

Dear God, I worry about tomorrow, yet today stands in between. This day holds all I need for this day – yet by worrying I squander today’s ration.

While I fret over tomorrow, the wind blows away today’s grain.

O, Lord, I am a member of your kingdom of birds, creatures, trees, mountains, foes, friends. You support all this, day by day. The miracle is renewed each dawn. I look right past it, eyes fixed on the unknowable secret of tomorrow.

Shake me awake, Lord. This path I walk, today’s portion, is gentle, shady, and smooth. What do children do with times of ease? They play.

Today, Lord, let me breathe with ease and deeply.

(Letter #1,508)

Dear God, let me be watchful. Let me cast my gaze and see reasons for gratitude wherever it falls.

Today’s discomfort is not simply a trial to be endured but is itself a gift. Let me see this. Grant me clear sight.

Let me spread gratitude among my fellows. Their faces are downcast. May they see joy.

(Letter #1,507)