The Infinite and the Finite
Turn my heart from vanity, from dissatisfactions,
from uncertainties of the present state to an eternal interest in Christ.
Let me remember that life is short and unforeseen, and is only an opportunity for usefulness;
Give me a holy avarice to redeem the time, to wake at every call to charity and piety,
so that I may feed the hungry, clothe the naked, instruct the ignorant, reclaim the vicious,
forgive the offender, diffuse the gospel, show neighborly love to all.
Let me live a life of self-distrust, dependence on thyself, mortification, crucifixion,
Prayer.
—Valley of Vision
This prayer from The Valley of Vision reminds us just how brief and fragile life is—and how sacred every moment can be. The Puritan plea is not just for clarity or peace, but for urgency: “a holy avarice to redeem the time.” In treatment, it’s easy to feel like life is on pause, as if the real work begins after healing. But this prayer reframes our perspective. Even here—even in the mess and uncertainty—there is opportunity: to show love, to extend grace, to share hope, to forgive. Life doesn’t start after recovery. This moment matters now.
The prayer also points us to the only way such a life is possible—not through willpower, but through dependence. It calls for self-distrust and mortification—dying to self in order to live more fully in Christ. In a world that tells us to trust our instincts and chase fulfillment, this is a radical reversal. But it’s in that surrender that true usefulness and joy are found. So today, may you begin again with this prayer on your lips: that God would turn your heart from vanity to eternity, and give you strength to live with compassion, conviction, and Christ-centered dependence—even now. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics