From The Editor
Thanksgiving Thorns
I recently heard a story about a family that has the most unusual Thanksgiving
custom. Every November, they purchase an arrangement of thorny long-stemmed
roses – with the roses cut off. That’s right. Only stems – no
flower heads. In a vase they display these blossomless thorny stems all throughout
the Thanksgiving season.
Are they bitter? Are they resentful? Are they protesting Thanksgiving? Nope.
To the contrary, they use their floral (I guess quasi-floral) arrangement to remind them of the thorns in their past. Once upon a time, they were only thankful for the good things in life – their job, their children, their beautiful home. But several years ago, they almost lost their marriage. Trials came their way, their marriage was filled with difficulties, and they just about called it quits.
Near the point of filing for divorce, they decided to make their marriage work and to not allow the trials and thorns of life to tear them apart. So now they use the thorns to remind them to be thankful for the trials in their lives that have brought them where they are today.
As I heard that story, I thought, what a great tradition. I doubt that my wife and I will go out and buy flowerless flowers, but we will pause this Thanksgiving to give thanks for those hardships in our lives that have helped us be who we are today. For instance, we almost lost our baby boy when he was two months old to a respiratory infection. It was one of the most trying times in our lives. He was in the intensive care unit for more than a week, and at one point it looked like I would have to say goodbye to my precious baby.
I’m not saying I’m thankful for that situation, but I am thankful for the lessons I learned. I learned how to have faith. I learned to find strength in God. I learned how to pray. I learned how precious my children truly are.
Sometimes we fail to see the value in trials. I know that statement sounds a little strange, but too many people become resentful or bitter because of past hardships. If we look at past difficulties optimistically, maybe we will be able to discover things about ourselves, our faith, and what we deem significant.
No one invites trials and difficulties. But if we must experience hardships – we don’t have a choice for many of life’s difficulties – we might as well try to find the good that potentially comes out of every storm. And while you may not purchase a bouquet of thorny stems, you might want to pause and be thankful for the thorns that have caused you to be the person you are today.
In this Issue
Our November issue offers several great ideas to help make your holiday season
extra special. Our feature, A Season of Giving: Giving Back to our Community
highlights many of the local agencies where you can give your time to make
a difference during this season of giving. Meeting the needs of others
is one of the best ways to help you feel good about yourself. Someone once
said, “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the
service of others.” Why not get involved and meet some unmet needs
this holiday season…
Looking Ahead
Speaking of giving, our December issue is featuring a most important holiday
topic: “How Many Presents are Enough?” Too many of us don’t
know when to stop! And many grandparents also tend to go a little overboard
at Christmastime. Our cover story will help you determine when enough is
enough!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Editor,
Good News Tucson Magazine
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
