You have poured me into this body; let me give thanks for every sensation that is visited upon it. The heat, the cold, the pain, the shivers of delight.

You have placed me among these fellows; let me give thanks for every interaction that comes my way. Laughter, song, sorrow, conflict.

You have cracked open my heart and made yourself known to me, Lord. All that comes my way are messages from you. Let me read them.

(Letter #1,816)

You prepared today’s path for me; did you know I would leave it to forge my own way? Did you map out these new discoveries? Did you already know of my failure?

Even as I flee from you, there you are with me. Even as I flit from spot to spot, you are the ground underfoot. When I arrive in foreign lands, you greet me.

Lord, I am always under your gaze. Let this urge to escape burst out of me. Let my feet take joy in solid ground.

(Letter #1,815)

An unclenched and ready hand. Let me be this.

If I am your instrument, let me be available for use.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1,814)

Be a rock under my feet, Lord.

My head is turned by shadows; my heart darts here and there like a mouse. Blind, I feel for the furniture. I crawl so I will not fall.

Lord, you are under me and I stand upon you. You clear the way for me. Why do I then hesitate?

You have delivered me, you keep delivering me, you will deliver me.

Grant me faith, Lord.

(Letter #1,813)

Let me act, bit by bit.

The garden grows around me, even as my attention is elsewhere. I make the smallest effort and look what emerges.

Let this day be just one step, and then another. Let strength lie in persistence.

(Letter #1,812)

A fresh morning greets me: how do I salute it?

Shall I walk miles in labor, bearing burdens? Shall I run without care, shirking duty? Shall I seek fellows who are blind to the sunrise and describe it?

Lord, let me neither waste nor hoard your gifts.

(Letter #1,811)

What have I to offer, Lord? Weak and impoverished, of what notice could I be? And yet you build me up, you support me, you comfort me. You saved me. So needy am I.

Lord, buoyed by you, let me give, not take. Let others flock to me to hear the news.

All is well, Lord. Let your will be done this day.

(Letter #1,810)

Each day the same sun shines on the same meadow. Yesterday I saw its glory. Today I note barren areas.

I am the one who changes.

Lord, let equal joy and gratitude grow within me, regardless of whether I walk among impoverished or plentiful lands.

(Letter #1,809)

Let me fight no battle today.

Where I meet opposition, let me go around. Where discord appears, let me fall silent so as not to increase it. When I am assailed, let me open my palms and present my soft parts.

I will carry your peace, Lord, even into war.

(Letter #1,808)

Am I exposed to the elements, whipped raw, vulnerable? Or is the wind meant to awaken me and stiffen my resolve to march?

Lord, you protect me. If this is so, let me not cover myself with wool and hide – but walk forth into the wind.

The valley appears so clear below. I can see blades of grass under the frost. Let me equally see the choices I can make today, Lord.

(Letter #1,807)