I have tried to live the gospel and to follow the monastic life each day. I have tried to spend time with God in thought and prayer and reading. God and I have been friends, I might even say, lovers. We live together. My life is in him and he is in my life. It is all kind of simple. I feel a quiet joy and thankfulness. My days and nights are good because God is with me. I get pulled out of my center at times and that usually leads to grief. But then I turn my thoughts back to God and regain my peace. Thank you, Lord, for so much more than I deserve. Amen

Father Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.