Do I need strength, Lord, or acceptance?

Which offers the greater power?

I face a great forest to travel through. How could I overcome the challenge that rests within?

At journey’s end, will it not be discernment and care that will have allowed me to pick through the winding pathways?

Grant me acceptance.

(Letter #4016)

You made the road. You walk with me along the road. When I stray, you gently call me back to the road.

The road, this way from home to the world and back, so rarely do I think of its centrality. I simply walk.

Let me be awake, dear Lord, to all you do for me along this road.

(Letter #4015)

Supply, supply. It can come from anywhere and everywhere.

And yet I shiver, wondering what will befall me.

Springtime, buds — let me live expectantly today.

You will supply.

(Letter #4014)

An anxious morning, thoughts darting here and there, awaiting trial.

A quiet dawn, unwinding chest and relaxed breath, preparing for a day of chores.

The only difference is the inhabitant.

Let me unwind my chest and relax my breath, Lord. The dawn always can be quiet.

(Letter #4013)

Pressed by the day, my prayers are so limited. Relief from a feeling. A small success. In truth, these things will come to pass without your aid.

Why do I seek so little? You grow forests and make mountains, Lord, yet I ask you for energy to tidy my dwelling.

Let my aims be equal to your power, dear Lord.

(Letter #4012)

Over and over, I take back will and effort. Is the work of the day mine or yours, Lord?

I am a child arranging sticks and leaves. Meanwhile you provide shelter and food.

Let me see my life rightly, Lord. This weight I bear, it is but a game.

(Letter #4011)

Looking for guidance, everywhere but here before me.

Your way is plain, Lord, why do I not see it?

Or do I see, and not believe?

Let me set out walking, in faith that you are with me and the signs will be clear.

(Letter #4010)

Here on the meadow, mist dripping from bare branches. Open field, how could I know the way?

Walking, I leave dark footprints in the grasses. This is the trail. By noon, all trace will be gone.

God, who tried leaving a trail for me, now vanished? I, the bewildered one, will need to rely on you. Let me abandon myself to it.

(Letter #4009)

The way is clear, why do I dither? I look here and there, as if there were a choice to be made. But the road unfolds before me, brightly lit.

Yes there is a choice. I can stand still, I can wander in circles. I can go back. All this I can do — you leave me with perfect freedom, Lord.

But if I would walk in your ways, my wondering and waiting for guidance are simply delays.

Let me make my decision, and draw near to you, Lord.

(Letter #4008)

The days are a road, stretching back and stretching forward.

Today I walk a small portion. Even today’s march is too long to contemplate. I walk from here to that bend; from there to that tree.

Small steps become a journey. Each step counts.

Let me place each foot with attention today.

(Letter #4007)