Upwards

Letter 4376

Walking up the mountain path.

Narrow by narrow, my gaze has fixed upon my feet. Fatigue makes them stumble. The repeated stepping brings pain.

Along the way, vista after vista unfolds yet I do not look. My feet occupy me. Avoiding the stones in the road occupies me.

Finally, strength gives out and I just rest. Stretched out below me is a green, spring valley. And how high I am! I did not notice the speed of my ascent.

❖

All this I could have watched as I walked the same path with the same feet.

If I am to walk, lord, Let me allow myself joy along the way.

Consider:

Can I make space for joy and beauty today?

Reading:

❖ “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” — Marcel Proust

❖ “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” — Edmund Hillary

❖ “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” — Psalm 121:1

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

Clouds of Mood

Letter 4375

The tress clap, the hills rain down their applause. This day is one of beauty.

Can I appreciate it? Joy flits in and out of view as clouds of mood settle like mist. The sun hangs in the noon sky, yet my vision goes dim.

❖

Let me breathe in this beauty, Lord. Your beauty, given to me with grace.

Let me accept the joy you hold out in your hand.

Consider:

Can I receive joy today?

Reading:

❖ “The world is charged with the grandeur of God. / It will flame out, like shining from shook foil.” — Gerard Manley Hopkins

❖ “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen

❖ “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” — Psalm 16:11

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

As Within, So Without

Letter 4374

These winds that whip across the field and through the forest, these storms in my heart — which causes which?

In both cases, I must let it pass before moving. If I set out walking now, I may be hit by a toppling tree. If I speak now, my words may fly away.

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This calm sunlight on the glade, this glowing presence in my chest — which causes which?

Now is the time for enjoyment. Let me live in this sunshine for the moment.

Consider:

Can I recognize the fleeting nature of my moods?

Reading:

❖ “As within, so without; as above, so below.” — Hermetic maxim

❖ “The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it.” — Nicholas Sparks

❖ “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.

Carrying Burdens

Letter 4373

The meadow by my house extends far before it reaches the forest edge.

I am carrying a load in my arms. The meadow is daunting. I know I will need to rest more than once. The high sun may tire me too.

The same meadow, as I set out for an easy walk. Its expanse is inviting, as walking it will bring me close to wildflowers and hares.

❖

With nothing in my arms, I am free to face the world.

Lord let me not carry unnecessary burdens.

Consider:

Can I let go what I do not need to carry?

Reading:

❖ “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” — Thomas à Kempis

❖ “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius

❖ “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Thank you for for reading. If this helped you today, please consider sharing it.

~B.R.