Wracked by woe, then elated, joyful. How could I predict the day when my mood is so changeable?

Even in despair, Lord, you stand with me if only I will look. Dawn comes, sun warms, shivering limbs calm. Enemies poise, and you are as a shield wall.

Let me see what miracles I already have, Lord.

(Letter #2,759)

After days’ journey, I come upon treasure, miraculous discovery, sudden grace: a way of life from which I cannot be greatly moved.

A firm rock in the path has revealed itself to be the foundation of a cairn that points the way to the way.

Crestfallen and deflated yesterday; then elated and crushed again; now at ease, upright, walking with peace — a manner of living which works under all conditions.

O let gratitude flow out of my hands and mouth, gratitude for the hard journey, gratitude for the revealed riches.

Let us not be greatly moved, my sisters and brothers.

(Letter #2,758)

Whether warm sun or shivering winter, let me breathe with ease. Whether at rest or in toil, let my limbs course with energy. Rain or dry, let my feet take me your ways.

Lord, the world is not the world. You, unseen dynamo, hum under all. Energy for universal use.

Grant me joyful equanimity — let me walk with light heart in all circumstances, that others may, too, come to know you.

(Letter #2,757)

What do I have to give? A chipped vessel am I, empty and fragile. What could this plain jar offer?

Lo, watch as pours forth cool water for all who thirst!

Grant me strength to strengthen others, Lord. Grant me peace to soothe them, joy to encourage them.

Let your grace ripple out, neighbor upon neighbor upon nation.

(Letter #2,756)