Even when undesired.

Looking at the garden that needs tidying. A large job, and thinking of it brings a sigh. Shall I look, instead, to the horizon that beckons?

The fence needs repair. Shall I lock the gate?

My fellows need my voice. Shall I stay home?

❖

Lord, grant me a steady gaze. Let me not look away from the world, in retreat, but see it in its full truth.

Grant me willingness to see — and act.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I accept my duties with good cheer?

Reading:

“It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” — Henry David Thoreau

❖

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.” — Mahatma Gandhi

❖

“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22 (KJV)

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We all have one.

For what do I seek comfort, from what do I seek relief, why do I seek strength?

To be a channel for you to reach others, Lord.

Grant me strength to give aid, relief from woe that I may turn attention to my fellows, comfort that I may know the feeling of ease after trial and so pass it on.

❖

This is my place in the world, lord: to be the means by which you act.

Let me fully occupy my place.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I accept my place in this world as if it were exactly what I always wanted?

Reading:

“Love is not consolation. It is light.” — Simone Weil

❖

“He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.” — Confucius

❖

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

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What is underneath?

Ground underfoot.

Are you truly my foundation, Lord?

How can I depend yet more upon you?

❖

Walking the edges of the field, where the creek runs, the earth gives at each step. Under the soft dirt, though, is yet rock.

Let me feel supported, Lord, even when my feet move.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I feel that I am truly supported?

Reading:

“Faith is not being sure where you are going, but going anyway.” — Frederick Buechner

❖

“The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” — John Muir

❖

“He set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” — Psalm 40:2 (KJV)

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Always so many.

There is always reason to worry or grieve.

There is always reason to shout for joy.

❖

Let my heart be quickened, Lord, and choose joy.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I choose joy — no matter what?

Reading:

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

❖

“We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight.” — Jack Gilbert

❖

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

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