“I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination.  Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.”  Albert Einstein

I had the blessing today of being with a friend whom I have loved for more than 30 years.  Joanne is gentle and kind and sees goodness everywhere she looks.  She sees goodness in me.  And that helps me see something of my own goodness.  She inspires me to be more loving and more in love.

“There is not a person I could not love, once I’ve heard their story.”  Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB

I first read that quotation a long time ago.  I believe it’s true.  Yet, I still find myself unable to embrace it completely.  At times, I can be so judgmental, so unkind. 

But on days like this, I see goodness and beauty everywhere.  I can imagine a way of being that doesn’t rely on talent or smarts or accomplishments.  I imagine a world where every person, even me, is honestly trying to see the goodness in others. 

Goodness can heal, empower, to raise up. 

Beauty abounds.  Beauty is perennial. 

Goodness and beauty are present always and everywhere.  And they are mine when I let go and refuse to let the chains of expectation bind me. 

When I am truly Present… all that is good, all that is loving, is also Present. 

And I am. 

I am blessed.  I am loving.  I am good.

I am infinite.

 

I am… because you are.