Why do I rush into the day? It is as if I am fleeing my chambers. Lord, let the worry drain from my chest. Slow my panting breath.

From stillness, show me the direction to set myself walking. I will follow where you lead.

(Letter #1,745)

Good morning, my Lord. You have set my heart and mind ablaze with energy. To what end am I to act? This overflow, this abundance: let it not spill to the ground, wasted.

My heart pumps, my thoughts crackle. My back feels sturdy as an oak, my fingers nimble, my sight keen. I feel every wisp of inhalation as the air moves through my throat.

The world, in the present moment, glows.

O, how easy to be thankful when I receive such gifts!

(Letter #1,744)

Before I sit to beg your support, you have already answered. You foretold my need. Why do I not already see the capacities you have given me?

Power flows now through my being. Legs pump, hands grasp, tongue speaks. Around me are collected fellows who offer cheer and aid, its own kind of power. All of this — there all along.

Lord, let the ostentation drain out of my voice. You already know my need, I already know your answer. A quiet word is all that is necessary.

(Letter #1,743)

The gray dawn foretells a gray day. As I survey this small plot of land, I see little of note and anticipate less.

Terror grows in me as I face the prospect of boredom. How shall I escape? Where will I find exhilaration? What if I fail in this?

Such termites, Lord. Let them crawl away and leave me.

With less distraction, I may see more clearly the treasures you have left for me. Lord, make me a joyful being, smiling at dull days.

(Letter #1,742)

O how I seek the trappings of pride, even in feigned humility. Perversely, I wish to be recognized for meekness. My lower self thus twists even good aims.

Yet you fashioned me, dear Lord. Did you make me a miscreation? My heart holds golden, light intentions as well as base.

Lord, let me grow in my acceptance of the parts inside me. You equipped me with them all, even what I would slice away.

Let me be fully whom you have made.

(Letter #1,741)

I seek improved conditions.

I walk the grounds and tidy the edges. I arrange the shelves. Order will make improvement, so I think.

It is my unruly mind and self-directed inner life that need such rearrangement. Let me walk the perimeter of my own thoughts – which ones are out of order? Where are the weeds in my intentions? Let me root them out.

Let a new soul greet the world, changed to meet conditions.

(Letter #1,740)

I walk through your bounty, worrying what is in my storehouse at home. Everywhere there is supply, yet I am a miser.

Of what am I afraid? When I am thirsty, there will be a stream. I am always met with supply.

Deepen my trust in you, Lord.

(Letter #1,739)

Just as I avoid living in tomorrow, so too let me avoid living in hours hence. Let me be in this moment, breathing in and out.

Yet here in the dawn, I already worry over noontime and beyond. It is hours away, and I ignore the leaves that have blown in overnight, which now need sweeping.

In fear of the next hour, I squander my current minutes in self-pity.

Lord, grant me acceptance of this moment.

(Letter #1,738)

Creatures have eaten at my garden overnight. My rooms have fallen into disarray. The rains have come through the open windows. The fire has died and must be relit.

Look, you have given me ways to occupy my time! Lord, let me smile as I reach for the trowel.

My life is a life of gifts.

(Letter #1,737)

Open my eyes today, Lord, to how simple it may be to act on your will. Let me not build complex machines of industry, but move instead through plain effort.

Let me offer up the most ordinary chores to you. As I sweep the floor of my dwelling, as I replace items to their spaces, as I walk and inspect the grounds — let these simple tasks be my devotion.

Shall I be tempted to build grand structures? Grant me instead, Lord, plain simplicity in my labors.

(Letter #1,736)