In his published compilation of meditations, “Hope as Old as Fire: A Spiritual Diary,” the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston writes:

“One more day. God give me one more day. With each sunrise I

See, God gives me one more day to make right what is wrong, to

Open what is closed, to find what is lost, to be what I long to become.

I can work miracles today. I can change the course

Of history with a word. In these few hours I have the chance

To shape time itself into timeless love. One more day. That’s

All I need to live one day as if it were eternity.”

I return to his words often. And, in response, I write:

“I arise today in the name of Silence,

I arise today in the name of Stillness,

I arise today in the name of Solitude.

I am Blessed by all things.

May I live this day Compassionate of heart,

Clear in word,

Gracious in awareness,

Courageous in thought,

Generous in love.”

the Rev. Dick Elwood at delwood@stmartinsepiscopal.org.