Does rescue bring joy? Then I shall needs be imperiled.

Does surrender being peace? Then I shall needs be vanquished.

In the morning, troops gather for a noon battle. The afternoon brings gnashing of teeth, yet tomorrow the sun rises on unclenched jaws and open hands. Who lost? Who won? What changed?

Tomorrow’s sun is the same as today’s. Let me love my life on the battle plain.

(Letter #2,789)

Morning dawns and I pray for intercession. I hope for rescue.

Where, then, is faith? Hope is inconstant, tentative, pleading. If I have faith, I am then confident of rescue, assured that all is well.

Grant me faith, Lord, so much so that gossamer hope becomes unnecessary.

(Letter #2,788)

Slowly, slowly go I.

The forest grows around me in a riot. Downpours and windstorms.

Slow yet more, and sit. Under a canopy, calm can gather its strength.

Let me be an oasis, Lord, for them and for me. Be here in my presence, while I am in yours.

(Letter #2,787)

If I saw tomorrow’s path, could I bear it? If it contain trial, today would be consumed by worry. If reward, then today would be given over to anticipation.

Let me walk today’s path today — with gratitude for limited sight.

If I knew tomorrow, it would rob me of today.

All is well. All will be well.

(Letter #2,786)