This is already my destiny: to sit here, alone in this room, awaiting the day you bring. To greet the ones and twos who arrive. To tidy the corners and wipe down the surfaces of this place.

Yet I pine, O Lord, for tomorrow’s riches and accolades. I hope for treasure to appear around the next corner. Yet indeed, if I have a destiny, then it already must be here — for I now inhabit yesterday’s tomorrow.

Could I have hoped for this day, dear Lord? Let me live in it as if I had.

(Letter #1,659)

What a fantasy world I inhabit. I equally imagine great deeds and treasure just around the corner, and enemies arrayed against me today.

All false. I have no enemy. Tomorrow holds no pot of gold. Today is as yesterday – I am daily a child receiving your messages.

Does the mother cruelly set challenges for their child? Does the father forever withhold reward? This is not the true nature of my days.

I have imagined my difficulties and triumphs. All along, as my loving parent, you protect and nurture me. Lord, let me see around me without illusion.

(Letter #1,658)

Unsure of what next to do, I cower. If I do nothing, perhaps these threats I perceive will move on. I approach this day like a small creature, wondering how I might escape notice and stay at the margins.

Where, Lord, has this fear come from? I am your child, among your children. Yet I slink.

Place in my heart the message you would have me delivere today. Let your message be my courage.

(Letter #1,657)

Let me thank you in all circumstances. Grant me grace to do this.

Winds buffet me; let me be grateful for the sensation. I labor; let me have gratitude for my strength. Hunger arises; let me give thanks for the meal that is to come.

Let gratitude draw me near to you, Lord.

(Letter #1,656)