The day emerges from the mist and disappears as easily. I labor in my small garden as the other side of the valley comes and goes.

Do they see me? Does it change my effort?

Lord, there is work to be done. A miracle will unfold here underfoot, growth and life. Let me not miss it. Let me not distract myself with the horizon.

(Letter #2,090)

When will the strength come?

In fear, I seek assurance that all will be well. But then there is no room for faith. What I need will arrive just in time, and in disguise.

Only when I retire will I see where I have been carried.

O Lord, create belief in me, I am so forgetful.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,089)

I walk a secret path with a hidden entrance. I can hear and see my fellows along the main track, laughing and talking together. My path is solitary and hugs the shadows.

When the drought enters its third month, and the food has dwindled, and there is no laughing, I will leave handfuls of grain to be found along the way.

When the earth opens and the beasts let loose, I will be one who joins in the battle and rescue.

How could it be that you trust me so, Lord?

Speak and act through me, dear friend.

(Letter #2,088)

Let me be unashamed at my weakness.

Let me face my ignorance with equanimity.

Let me gnash not my teeth at my many self-enslavements.

You shine upon me. You shelter me. Your arms underneath support me. Where can I go, where you are not already protecting and loving me?

Let me therefore recognize no woe. I am one of your children.

(Letter #2,087)

Am I in trance?

Flowers bloom. Seething, I rehearse harsh words with people I am not now with.

The wind blows. My shelter is secure and warm. Fearful, I picture it collapsing.

Fellows greet me. I am loved. Despairing, I see myself alone and frightened.

I argue and battle with ghosts.

Lord, let me see what is happening under my nose. Awaken me from this dream. Let me see your world clearly.

(Letter #2,086)

I have changed, gradually, and continually. In years hence, I will be new.

I am new today, even as I encounter the familiar. I am new who walks this old path. I have trod it many times before.

Let me see my old surroundings with new eyes today, Lord.

(Letter #2,085)

Conflict within.

Where shall I be strict, and where show mercy?

Where shall I seek equality, and where express initiative?

Where shall I run free, and where rein in?

Lord, lead me around pitfalls and bring me through the wastelands today. I set out on a journey for which I am ill prepared.

Be my guide, dear Lord.

(Letter #2,084)

You have blessed me with a sturdy back, strong legs, square shoulders.

What can I carry for my brothers and sisters? They are blind to you and do not see their own gifts.

Let me be a river through dry land, Lord.

(Letter #2,083)

Safe at home, here in the present. Yesterday was filled with trial, tomorrow promises apprehension.

They are illusions. Only today is real. It is here where I reside with you.

Let me breathe in the scent of dawn, Lord, and stride through Now.

(Letter #2,082)

My thoughts, do they conform to my words?

My words, do they match my acts?

My deeds, do they match my intents?

My intentions, do they match my thoughts?

Lord, let me be whole.

(Letter #2,081)