Let me be a window through which can be seen an Alpine meadow with trickling spring. The better I perform my duty, the less will I be seen nor remarked upon.

Even then, let me swell not with pride at my careful transparency. Even in secret I may congratulate myself.

Let them see through me, let me see through myself – transparent to your love, dear Lord.

(Letter #2,578)

A fine cabinet; yet is there rot beneath the veneer?

Handsome garments; yet is the flesh corrupt?

Whither my thoughts, Lord? Let me dwell rightly today. Joy, peace, love, may grow within me.

Let me stay my mind on you, let the center shine out, let the container glow with integrity.

Thy will be done in me, Lord.

(Letter #2,577)

My thoughts, cascading one upon the other, an unruly mob. Reorder my inner life, let me form useful ranks, a uniformed army of steady thinking.

One idea, love, spread across a battalion to be wielded upon the day.

I feared your burden, but I learned I was to carry treasure throughout the village. Who does not welcome the deliverer of gifts?

All is well with me, Lord.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,576)

Ashamed at all I have done, already remorseful over all I will yet do, crushed by guilt over what remains.

What balm, you sit hip to hip with me in the morning, murmuring love into my ears. All will be well, you promise. All is well, you whisper.

Wretch I, am I to believe this is so?

You gave me the gift of hunger, Lord, that I may learn compassion. Penury, that I may learn stewardship. Guilt, that I may learn forgiveness.

You are the miracle of health and sunshine. All is well. All is well.

(Letter #2,575)