Optimism is a distinctive note of Ignatian spirituality. We trust the goodness of God, who is at work in his creation. As Billy Preston put it:
All things are God given
And they have all been blessed
That’s the way God planned it
That’s the way God wants it to be
Preston was one of the great soul musicians. He is sometimes called “the fifth Beatle” because he worked so closely with the fab four. He did much work with George Harrison after the Beatles broke up. But Preston had a great career as a songwriter and performer in his own right. One of his biggest hits was the song “That’s the Way God Planned It.” Lyrics are here. Here’s a spirited performance. I’m not sure, but I think the guitarist in the white suit is George Harrison.
