Thank you, Lord, for the answers that will come.

You will provide the will, the words, the resources. You will turn away the spear points aimed at my soft parts, you will prepare a resting place for my revival. You will shower me with gifts.

Thank you for all that is to come.

(Letter #1,777)

A candle gladly lights another without worry that it will lose its own brightness. The unlit wick needs only to touch the lit.

Lord, you have set a candle glowing in my heart. It is bright enough to read by, but such a limited use would be a shame.

Let me light others’ wicks.

(Letter #1,776)

The wind is gusting and I am a paper cup, discarded and spinning on the pavement. My thoughts jump from tomorrow to yesterday and into ever deeper wells of imagination.

Does the world intrude, or do I pursue it? You must look on my agitation with sorrow.

Lord, let my feet root. Let my thoughts rest here.

(Letter #1,775)

It is a familiar path: there is a thing that must be done. I awaken with fear that I will be inadequate to the task and be judged therefore. I pray for guidance and strength. The time to act arrives. The words come, the deeds unfold. I later marvel and give thanks.

Lord, grant me this posture of gratitude at the outset. Let me give thanks at dawn, secure already that you will have carried me through this fearful day.

(Letter #1,774)