Good Morning!

2022 May blog by Carol Kandiko, CSA ~ “Good morning!” Everyday these are the first words I write in what passes for my journal. “Good morning!” There is a pause while I consider who I might be greeting. In my cozy nook is it the sun or clouds? The candle, the plants, the furniture? Surely I’m welcoming the presence of One we call God. Not welcoming into the space, but into my awareness.

Morning is obvious, but what of the word “Good?” Some days the goodness trips off my tongue and the tip of my pen. It’s a glorious day and there is only pleasantness and happy anticipation ahead. I mean the words literally. The sun is shining and the weather is mild and the agenda for the day is all I could wish!  The words are a prayer… “Thank you, Giver of all good things, for this moment.”

There are other mornings when the prayer is one of hope. I really can’t feel or foresee any goodness in my immediate future. The gray bleakness outside my window mirrors the bleakness within my spirit. Actually, it could well be sunny and promising in the real world, but in my inner being I’m not feeling it. I’m remembering the undone or poorly done leftovers from yesterday. I’m anticipating some scary or intimidating event that could yet occur. Then the prayer is “Thank you, Faithful One, for reminding me that I am not alone.”

The gift of those two words every morning is the gift of centering. Always there is the warm awareness of holy companionship. I am not alone! Always the phrase ends with an exclamation point, trusting that whatever the coming hours bring, as Julian of Norwich has told us: “All will be well, and all manner of thing will be well.” If I can remember I can pray in each moment: “All is well and whatever is happening is happening in the wisdom and love of God who is calling me toward an unfolding future.

Consider the disasters of the past: your own personal challenges and the chaos of the evolving planet and our slowly maturing human race. Consider the love and creative energy that has brought us to this time in the unfolding of the Universe.

I am blessed to be able to begin each day in the peace and quiet atmosphere of Centering Space. You are welcome to come anytime and share this gift. When you recognize it here, you’ll find it more easily in your own home or place of work. “Good morning!’ actually works for any time of day.