Self-denial and a harder road. Let me thrive where others might perish, Lord.

You call us each to give what we can. Let me be honest with myself about my capacity. You grace me with a sturdy back.

After the storms, let me remain standing to help the survivors.

Let me do your will today.

(Letter #2,730)

If I husband my resources in the face of my neighbor’s need, have I then hoarded what I could have given?

Lord, make me willing to give and give again. Even when my store rooms are bare, I have energy and love to pass on.

Let me thus live abundantly.

(Letter #2,729)

What work will merit rest, dear Lord? Can I exhale? Dare I?

Grant me peace, my constant friend. I have been too long a taut line.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,728)

How do I pass along the sunshine that has poured over me?

How do I slake the thirst of my fellows when I have no dipper?

Lord, let me draw them out into the light. Let me show them where the river flows gently.

I cannot pass on the gift; only the way to the gift.

(Letter #2,727)

Is this truly the remedy? To let go, to trust, to submit my will to your will?

You either are, or you are not. What is to be my choice?

I am yours.

Take me by the hand, Lord, and guide me through the day. I yield my will.

(Letter #2,726)

This path I walk, this day through which I move – you are the sun shining down upon it. Throngs around me, we all travel these roads.

O sunshine, there are no portions to be shared! If two of us walk, we do not each get half-light. Your full measure shines on all.

When peace comes, neither is it divisible. There are no halves in your providence, dear Lord.

Let me give, for I live in abundance today. We all live in abundance.

(Letter #2,725)

The clocks tick without my involvement. The tide rises and falls, the winds blow, the flowers bloom – all without me.

Lord, what is in my control? Let me attend to that.

Lord, what cannot I influence? Let me then learn to accept and love.

Thy will be done today.

(Letter #2,724)

You underlie all. Everything rests upon you. Your power, moves all things.

I shared my fears with you, and I began to outgrow fear.

I shared my frustrations with you, and I began to outgrow resentment.

I shared my weakness with you, and I began to grow stronger.

Lord, let the world heal under your gaze. Thy will be done, in the big and the small.

(Letter #2,723)

My world is filled with idols whom I try to appease — the weather, my fellows, my loved ones. If only they would go my way, all would be well, think I.

Can I live in a world where you, dear Lord, are above all? Can I see and believe in your love for my neighbors and family, equally as you shine down upon me?

Let me accept your will in all things, Lord.

(Letter #2,722)

Grant me freedom from self-pity and judgment. Let me accept the world as it is, and approach it with love.

You said that in this world I shall have trouble, but to take heart, for you have overcome the world.

Let me take heart, Lord.

(Letter #2,721)