Subtitle.

You are close to me, Lord — to what end?

To catch me when I stumble? To murmur words of encouragement that I must lean in to hear? To uphold my hand?

Or could it be that you enjoy being with your creation and child?

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Let me be worthy of your nearness, Lord, unmerited and providential.

– from the mountain

Consider:

How can I enjoy your nearness without needing to alter it?

Reading:

“The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength.” — Marcus Aurelius

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“The soul is healed by being with children.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

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“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 KJV

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Accepting mistakes.

Peering through the morning fog, on an early mountain walk. Does this path go where I thought? Is it blocked ahead?

I made careful arrival plans on which much depends. I did not account for delay.

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What, then, becomes of tomorrow in the case of today’s mistakes? Is failure your will for me, Lord?

Or is your will that I learn the futility of the self-powered life, and the joy of peaceful surrender?

Let me learn rightly, Lord.

– from the mountain

Consider:

How can I have equanimity in the face of your will?

Reading:

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower

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“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell

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Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. —PSALM 119:35

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I am not in charge.

The fence I must repair: does the fate of the herd on it depend?

The porch to sweep: will none visit if this does not get done?

That which is done will have been your will, and that which is undone, not.

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Lord, your plans for me are not my plans. Let me watch with curiosity while the day unfolds.

Let your will be done today.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Where can I watch without grasping at the outcome?

Reading:

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” — Nelson Henderson

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“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.” — Marcus Aurelius

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“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10 KJV

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False evidence appearing real.

With what illusions do I wake?

That I am alone. That this burden is mine.

That this road ends.

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The day begins, I am already tangled in false thoughts.

Remind me, hour by hour. Strip away each mistaken notion.

Reveal yourself, Lord.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Which of my own ideas are mistaken?

Reading:

“The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge.” — Daniel J. Boorstin

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“We see the world not as it is, but as we are.” — Anaïs Nin

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“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 KJV

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