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.

❖

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

❖

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

❖

“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.

❖

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

❖

“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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Finding ease in structure. (Sunday Letter)

I’ve been thinking about garments lately.

I recently, I traveled to a professional function and felt out of step with the clothes I’d brought. I didn’t have much choice. I brought what I brought. We were together for a few days. I had to accept it.

No one pointed at me or thought less of me. What I was wearing didn’t matter.

❖

Some hold that Saint Francis said, ‘Wear the world like a loose garment.“ What does this mean?

Do not be overly troubled by what occurs.

When faced with surprise or disappointment, I can embrace it, allowing myself to move with what comes my way. A tight garment can restrict movement. A loose garment allows me to move freely and with ease.

If I need to run, I can run. If I need to rest, I can rest. If it is time to dance, I can dance.

Wearing the world like a loose garment: By accepting what comes, I give myself room to move and breathe.

❖

While a loose garment allows for freedom, it has form and purpose. It is not no garment. Trousers are trousers. A shirt is a shirt. A loose garment does not shed all structure but allows ease within a framework.

A loose garment lets me respond to the needs of the moment. . Athletic gear allows for movement. A robe offers comfort. Each garment, though loose, is suited to its moment.

– from the mountain

Consider:

What garments am I choosing to wear today?

Reading:

“Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost

❖

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” — Deepak Chopra

❖

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28”

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Moment by moment on a string.

Starting on a journey that begins at morn and ends when the day does. Each step follows the one before, and precedes the next.

The view and exhilaration I will experience in early afternoon, when I traverse the highest pass, beckons me. I can scarcely wait.

But each moment lives next to its brothers and sisters, each in a row. There is only one way to the end of this journey and that is through.

❖

Each moment, one pearl after the other.

Let me appreciate each, Lord.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I live fully through each moment without the need to skip ahead?

Reading:

“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” — Rabindranath Tagore

❖

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn

❖

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” — Matthew 6:34

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