The joy I seek will sneak up upon me, I know. Yet I go looking for it.

Turn my attention to contributing, Lord. Let me add to the world.

Let your rewards creep towards me unseen.

(Letter #3996)

The sun will rise today just the once; I will see noon and evening only once as well.

Let me not rehearse and walk through past and future needlessly.

Let me live today.

(Letter #3995)

The stream runs into a pond; let it not stop there, stagnant, but instead find exit and flow on to the sea.

You shine on me, Lord, give me strength, relieve my troubles.

This love, let me not solely receive it, but reflect it and pass it on onto others.

(Letter #3994)

You gave me strength to awaken into the morn, to walk through noon, to last through evening. What shall I do with it?

Let me not judge those I would help. Let me not grumble when my reserves are taxed. You filled the coffers before, Lord, you will do so again.

Let me have a steady gait today, Lord.

(Letter #3993)

On a narrow path, O how I would like to see around the corner! Is the next leg uphill?

What matter if the road becomes more stony, or widens to a broad highway — there is always the same distance to travel to day’s end.

Equip me, Lord, with fresh eyes and heart.

(Letter #3992)

Pressed, I call out to you. Grant me relief, I cry.

Even in woe, I know you are answering. Can I make my plea into thanks? Can I express gratitude for future ease, when even now I am a raw nerve?

You will make me a new way, Lord. Let me give thanks.

(Letter #3991)

I am not the one I was years ago. New flesh, new habits, new values.

Did you make me this way through scraping removal?

Did it grow from the inside out?

Today, Lord: Shall I take away yet more? Shall I nurture the spring deep inside my heart?

Moment by moment, let me make your choice. Let not the road be hard.

(Letter #3990)

My way is parceled out in days, hours, minutes, moments. Walking toward the summit, goal in sight, I still must attend to where I place each step.

The road is stony and I might turn an ankle if my attention wanders.

Let me look to what is before me, Lord, and give thanks for each moment.

(Letter #3989)

Walking. A blocked pathway. I cannot see past the first turn: Is this a lesson to be learned? A challenge to be overcome? Are you sparing me heartache?

Can I be joyous no matter the answer?

(Letter #3988)

All around me, silence. Dawn. Forest growth. Spreading light.

Let me not rush to bring heavy foot falls and noise, conquering with industry. Let me walk lightly, silently, with care.

Let the silence gather, that I may hear you, Lord.

(Letter #3987)