As Thanksgiving approaches we all start to think about all the many things for which we are thankful. It is the one holiday that focuses on family and values without all the consumer hype. But, most people also can be sidetracked by their garden variety of troubles. And sometimes those troubles can cloud our view keeping us from seeing the beauty that always present in our lives.
When a friend or family member bemoans the challenges they face I tell them about a Jewish folk tale I read in one of Elie Weisel’s books. The story goes that every year a small village gets together to share what fortunes they have experienced throughout the last 12 months. There is a tree in the middle of the village and each family writes their biggest challenges and folds the piece of paper up and hangs it on the tree. After everyone is finished, each family has the opportunity to read the papers their neighbors have hung on the tree – and choose that family’s challenge to face instead. And yearly, each family ends up choosing their own.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that was the moral of this story. It read: Life’s the school, Love’s the lesson.
As I think back on this year, and the almost 10 decades I have lived on this planet, I see that so clearly.
I have learned so much about myself and human nature by negotiating the challenge. And if I didn’t get the lesson, I have found I run into the same types of people, the same sorts of lessons until I get it.
I like to believe I am a much wiser person today because I have risen to these challenges, and have taken the time to reflect on what the underlying lessons have been.
I am grateful for each and every one of them, no matter how scary or silly they have been. I am the person I am today because I have grown from the challenges I have encountered.
I am also thankful for you and the foundation of lessons your life is built on. Let’s celebrate each other on Thursday!
58 and Sprouting Wings
it's never too late to let your spirit soar
58 and Sprouting Wings 