The Goodness of Life
by Ralph Marston

Though there is much
to be concerned about,
there is far, far more for which to be thankful.
Though life's goodness can at times be overshadowed,
it is never outweighed.
For every single act that is senselessly destructive,
there are thousands more small, quiet acts of love, kindness and compassion.
For every person who seeks to hurt,
there are many, many more who devote their lives to helping and to healing.
There is a goodness to life that cannot be denied.
In the most magnificent vistasand in the smallest details,
look closely, for that goodness always comes shining through.
There is no limit to the goodness of life.
It grows more abundant
with each new encounter.
The more you experience and appreciate the goodness of life
the more there is to be lived.
Even when the cold winds blow
and the world seems to be covered in foggy shadows,
the goodness of life lives on.
Open your eyes,
open your heart,
and you will see that goodness everywhere.

Though the goodness of life seems at times to suffer setbacks,
it always endures.
For in the darkest moments it becomes vividly clear that life is a priceless treasure.
And so the goodness of life is made even stronger
by the very things that would oppose it.
Time and time again
when you feared it was gone forever
you found that the goodness of life
was really only a moment away.
Around the next corner
Inside every moment
The goodness of life
Is there to surprise and delight you
Take a moment to let the goodness of life
touch your spirit and calm your thoughts.
Then, share your good fortune with another.
For the goodness of life grows
more and more magnificent
each time it is given away.
Though the problems constantly scream for attention
and the conflicts appear to rage ever stronger,
the goodness of life grows stronger still,
quietly, peacefully,with more purpose and meaning than ever before.

Copyright © 2004 Ralph S. Marston, Jr.
The picture and music version of this text is at http://thegoodnessoflife.com