Dear God, would you have me dwell alone, apart, building careful walls and arranging rooms of clutter?

Who benefits from such lonely order?

Lord, you call me to circulate and bring messages of love. Let me labor in service to others and with good cheer.

Let me be generous with time, energy, and attention.

(Letter #1,555)

Dear God, this village is full of workers. Sisters and brothers turning their hands to all kinds of labor. Some sow, some build, some clean, some repair, some nourish.

As I roam among my fellows, in the quiet dawn mist, let me look for ways to be of help. If we all are to labor, then we all might aid one another.

When my hands are idle, Lord, let this be my discipline: to seek others I might help. Let the love I carry, your love, be tangible and no mere idea.

(Letter #1554)

Dear God, come to me. Seep into my roots and flow through me. Nourish me in secret.

Take away my desire to preen and posture. Let me be plain, without decoration.

Let me work my life into a thing of usefulness. A flat table, a sturdy chair.

The last shall be first.

(Letter #1,553)

Dear God, the life of the beacon weighs on my shoulders. I live apart, dwelling with you, and in the small hours of morning I feel lonely. I am fearful for those who would founder were my light to dim.

Lord, let me see rightly. I am not alone nor have I ever been. Fellows stand ready to help were I but to ask.

Others will carry my load when it is needful. Let me give adequate thanks to you and to them.

Not one of us is alone. Wherefore, then, should I feel so?

(Letter #1,552)