If I build a life, might it not later get knocked down?

Any effort now for tomorrow is itself an act of faith.

Let me build for tomorrow, Lord, in devotion to you.

(Letter #3,976)

Carry only what is used.

Wear only what is needed.

It is not great deeds that will be asked, but great acceptance. Let me feel your everlasting arms under me.

The day breaks, am I ready?

(Letter #3,975)

A taught spring. Lord, wash over me, unclench my jaw.

What could happen here, in this moment, that you do not approve?

Let me have ease, Lord.

(Letter #3,974)

Let me shed peace today, in all the places I may go.

Let me shed peace today, in all I do.

Strike peace into my heart, Lord, that I may share it.

(Letter #3,973)

All is well, all is well.

Even in the cold, frigid morn.

Even when I do not know the way.

Guide me, Lord. Bring me back to myself.

All is well.

(Letter #3,972)

This day. This small day, pressed between a morning and night.

What tenderness did you bring to making this day?

What small beauty will I discover along my brief walk?

With almost no time left, what rescue will you work?

Even in this blink of an eye, Lord, let me be awake to your grace.

(Letter #3,971)

While the sun rises, shadows yet are cast and loom large. They will shorten, but for now the view makes me as fearful as gathering night.

Be my refuge, Lord, holding my right hand as we walk. What if today were to become a shower of gifts? I could not know, as I cower in my room.

Let me walk with you, Lord, and feel your grace.

(Letter #3,970)

Morning, dawn, birds call.

Let them come to me; I need not run after them.

Let me draw slowly near to you, Lord. If I only open myself, if I only try, you draw near to me in return.

Let me not run after banners.

(Letter #3,969)

Do not hide the way, O Lord!

I meet you at the fork. It is difficult enough to choose from the paths I see. Is one secret?

Make my choices plain, Lord.

(Letter #3,968)

Can I live this day without grasping?

Grasping for solace, grasping for relief, grasping for ease.

I pin my hopes on grace, on renewed resources, on intercession — what if these do not come as and when I wish?

The sun will rise on easy days and hard. Dawn comes.

Let me give thanks for dawn.

(Letter #3,967)