You stand by my side, feel what I feel, weep when I weep.

I have never been alone, even when on a desolate plain.

Comfort me, Lord. As you have ever in the past.

(Letter #2,852)

The shadow in which I sit is cold. To warm my body I need only roll over into the sun and stretch, belly to the sky. Why do I not? Instead I shiver.

Lord, do I wait for someone to remove the tree, to lift and move me?

Rescue is as easy as standing and walking, let me walk. As I move, I will warm, even without the sun. Let me then move.

(Letter #2,851)

If you are love, then also love is you.

When I give love to my fellows, I pass along you yourself, dear Lord.

What greater gift to share, than love?

Therefore share I. Therefore love I.

I am your channel, Lord.

(Letter #2,850)

You created me, Lord; let me be what you intended. Let me be love and light.

I will not hide from the world. Let me shine.

(Letter #2,849)

A rowboat, a harbor, a small island. The village behind, the landing ahead.

I came here to be alone with you, Lord, yet I look behind, hoping others will set out to join me.

The light, my home and duty, looms as I approach. Day upon day, alone will I o’erwatch.

You are with me as I set out, with me as I row, with me as I alone inhabit this tower. You are the protector of the protector, I live in love and grace.

As night falls and the light shines, let me give thanks. The beam is love, the beam is you, I am you.

(Letter #2,848)

The way, the way up is stony. Ankle may turn, breath comes short as I walk this uphill way. Take care, go slow.

Was this in my plans? Did I retire thinking that, on the morrow, I would climb so? The labor is hard.

If I walk this way, Lord, will I gain equanimity in the face of future hard marches?

The path rounds a bend, I see the vista you were preparing for me!

I am a rough stone that you are polishing smooth. Let me welcome your perfecting love.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,847)

Awake! What is the lesson of the day, what are my instructions?

Always they are the same, sometimes cloaked in different detail yet ever constant. Why do I persist in wondering?

The lesson: Erase self. The task: Spread love.

Let me do your will, Lord, without complication.

(Letter #2,846)

Days are numbered, the sun will set, rains will come, night will fall upon wilderness.

Even as storm rages, Lord, there are places and people untouched. You shine upon me. What duty do the thriving have amidst desolation?

Let me rebuild my neighbor’s ruined hut, warm the shivering ones.

To those who cry for help, let me offer myself.

Could it be you spared me for even greater work, Lord?

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,845)

The way seems so long, and the valley in which I find myself so deep. A never ending path, leading ever up.

Dispirited and eyes down, I take the first step.

How fast come the rewards! Just a few paces lead me to sunshine, a few more to a vista.

Let me, Lord, start my journey, even if reluctant.

(Letter #2,844)

Are these trials my own, or those of my fellow? If I love my neighbor, do I console them in their sorrow?

Soften my heart, Lord, that I may be a channel of your peace.

(Letter #2,843)