Tomorrow may come catastrophe, yet today let me view flowers and pause along the hillside.

What miracle that, even as certain death stalked you, yet you spread love and beauty and joy and healing.

Today let me be more like you, Lord.

(Letter #2,812)

Hour upon hour stretches before me as dawn begins to peek under the door.

So many times before have I despondently and desperately sought to fill the new day with distraction. Or I enter with plans and proud designs.

Let today be different. Let me live responsively, Lord, myself the empty vessel ready to react.

Like a child with no expectations, let me wander into the world, waiting for my parents to tell me what we will do today.

Truly, Lord, let me seek your will.

(Letter #2,811)

The world, so needy, how could it sustain me?

Rushing, must I walk through this day numb and asleep?

Let me walk slowly, Lord, and pause, and find endless renewal here where I whisper to you.

(Letter #2,810)

I strive and strive to reach safe harbor, where calm waters and gentle breezes proclaim your grace. Here in this protected cove, I feel your safety.

But you are equally within me as you are around me, Lord. You are the forest glade, and you are my inner small voice. I take you with me.

I walk, today, through storms and wind, through dense brush and along sharp crags. My beloved safe harbor is many days’ march away.

You are with me, Lord. I bring the calm waters already along this journey; I need not wait. In the chaos, you also supply me with my own oasis. Open my eyes to see the peace I already have.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,809)

Let me abandon myself to you. Let my will be your will.

Let me go where you point, say what you dictate, see what you show.

Lead me by the hand like a child through this day, Lord, and let my eyes grow wide with simple wonder at the surprise miracles in store.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,808)

You will deliver to me my heart’s desire. Does my heart want different than my mind, different than my will?

Is it the wants of my deepest, inner heart that are the greatest mystery?

Miracles will unfold around me, equally as ordinary events do as well. Is this the deliverance unto me of this inner desire?

My heart, Lord, let me come to know better my heart.

(Letter #2,807)

I thought I had to wait for rescue from these fears and woe. I thought persistent prayer and thanksgiving would bring me relief.

I am already well and whole; I need but see rightly.

I thought I would have to wait for dawn, yet the bright moon already lights my way.

(Letter #2,806)

What is a game? A simple pursuit made difficult. Running — but fast, or far. Throwing and catching — but at a distance. Hitting a small target. The joy is in the challenge.

I run, fast and far, my breath comes in gasps land my heart pounds. How could I go on? The feeling of running itself powers me.

Today’s obstacles, Lord, let me view them the same way, as elements of a game that brings joy.

(Letter #2,805)

Walking, wind against face. So strong, I must lean forward to take each step.

This adversity, is it a gift? Does the need to walk so slowly bring a special treasure?

I learn the need for care, to be meticulous. I can look closely at each footfall. My slow pace allows something else to complete its unfolding before I arrive.

Thank you for the wind against my walk, Lord.

(Letter #2,804)

I draw near to you, at the same time I distract myself. Do I belong to you, Lord, or to the world? How can both be true?

Grant me a clear path to walk, Lord, and let me not stray off of it.

(Letter #2,803)