I arose before dawn and came down to this lakeshore. All is quiet, dew hangs, small creatures make bold to investigate my presence.

Here in the quiet, I can be still.

In bright day, later will be chaos. Chores, conflict, tumult. Voices and crowds.

Can I be still then? Will I know if I am?

Let me bring this lakeshore with me through the day, Lord.

(Letter #2,617)

I look at the world through sheets of gauze – dim shapes, soft light.

Through a rainy pane, even gathered enemies appear as a parade, bright smudges.

Blind, I believe myself to see clearly. Lord, lift the bandages, dry the window. The sunlight brings more beauty than I could imagine.

Let light shine, I can see!

(Letter #2,616)

You are with me, Lord. Who, then, could be against?

You bring love and joy into being. Why, then, is there a gloom on the land?

A happy warrior, Lord. Let me be a happy warrior.

(Letter #2,615)

The sun will rise and it will set. I cannot change it. Let me live your day joyfully.

I surrender. Build with me what you will. Let me be your love in this world.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,614)

What may I relinquish? What can I give more?

The more I give, the more comes back to me. You, the source, are the great multiplier.

Let me find more yet to sacrifice, Lord, that it may grow and grow.

(Letter #2,613)

Let me let you into all spaces today.

Enter even where I block you with headstrong ways. Enter where there is bitterness. Enter where there is error.

Let me speak your words and do your will today, Lord.

(Letter #2,612)

I dream to rule the land; I fear ignominy and exile.

Let even my fantasies become right-sized, dear Lord.

How may I serve you? Let me only wish that.

(Letter #2,611)

The spotlight shines – let me walk to the side.

There is applause – let me slip to the back, into the gloom.

Let me honor others’ labor and accomplishments.

Let me serve today, Lord.

(Letter #2,610)

You transformed me.

You will remake me again.

Let me not settle in the middle of the journey.

Let me pursue your will until I am where you would have me be, O Lord.

(Letter #2,609)

The day crowds, wolves at the door. Do, they say.

Lord, stay my mind on you. It wanders.

Let me meet the test of sitting still.

(Letter #2,608)