The Good News

 

It is tough to be surrounded by bad news. Families trying to survive a hurricane by heading to their attics, soldiers coming home in coffins draped in American flags, wildfires continuing to burn up more of our precious land.  As I pray in earnest for sick friends, for a woman who just lost her mother, and for people close to me dealing with personal issues I search for something positive. Then I remembered this poem and it reminded me of its message. 

There is always good news. Find a special edition. Do it today.

The Good News

They don’t publish
the good news.
The good news is published
by us. We have a special edition every moment,
and we need you to read it.
The good news is that you are alive,
and the linden tree is still there,
standing firm in the harsh Winter.
The good news is that you have wonderful eyes
to touch the blue sky.
The good news is that your child is there before you,
and your arms are available:
hugging is possible.
They only print what is wrong.
Look at each of our special editions.
We always offer the things that are not wrong.
We want you to benefit from them
and help protect them.
The dandelion is there by the sidewalk,
smiling its wondrous smile,
singing the song of eternity.
Listen! You have ears that can hear it.
Bow your head.
Listen to it.
Leave behind the world of sorrow
and preoccupation
and get free.
The latest good news
is that you can do it.

– Thich Nhat Hanh