One word has been popping up persistently in my prayer of late …
Goodness.
I am not sure where it came from, but it was a quieting word amidst the storm of worry and anxiety and worse case scenarios that I am prone to from time to time.
Goodness.
The goodness of God. The goodness of people far and near. The goodness of life itself and creation and the universe and creativity and community and love and laughter and … (fill in the blank).
What I have discovered these weeks of praying with goodness is that it is everywhere, even within and among you and me.
What I have also discovered is that swirling thoughts or worries or wonderings are no match for focused attention on goodness.
Next time you find yourself spinning to a not so good space, try this. Close your eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. Think of goodness. Just the word. Or some representation or experience of goodness in your own life. Keep breathing in, breathing out, focusing on goodness. Maybe, like me, you will feel yourself settle, slow down, at peace.
Goodness … it’s what’s happening if we but pay attention!
At the Corner of Susan and St. Joseph 
I either pick a word or a word picks me – to live with for a year. My word this year is goodness – to see something good in every person or event I encounter this year. You are so right, it changes my perspective and keeps my focus on the positives rather than all the negativity encountered. Blessings to you on your journey.
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