I sat with fellows around the fire. Goodwill prevailed and I felt at ease. You were there.

I toil at the fence line, digging post holes and tying beams. Industry and satisfaction grip me. Are you not here, too?

Hunger and cold wrap me in their embrace. You stiffen my spine and quicken my feet. I make my own warmth. Look, you are standing next to me!

My constant companion across all seasons. What good news, you are with me always.

(Letter #2,178)

I kneel to you behind a closed door. I am in hiding while I pray, for fear that they will judge me. You are my secret, sweet friend.

What if the door were thrown open? What if light shone into my wounds?

Healing is coming, yet I cower under a rock.

Light my world, burn away my secrets, dear Lord.

(Letter #2,177)

What gifts have I to give? A story of woe. A selfish pantry. A miserly purse.

My fist is so tightly clenched.

Let new growth unfurl, Lord, that I can no more hold it back.

For now, make me willing to empty my pockets.

Increase and overflow.

(Letter #2,176)

Reborn.

Each day, reborn.

Each day, a fresh chance to grow into the one you designed.

A trail of disappointments and squandered opportunities stretches behind me. They lead to this door before me, the one that opens from my room onto the village.

O dark night! O painful memory! Propel me along my rounds. Let me greet all with the newness of the day.

Reborn.

Each day, reborn.

(Letter #2,175)