Abraham Lincoln has long been used as a spurious source for inspirational quotes. Maybe because his output ran the gamut from folksy wisdom to noble and lofty sentiment. Maybe because his life became in death a lens by which to view American values. Maybe because he still represents the best America has to offer--shrewd intelligence married to a deep capacity for sacrifice.
At any rate, there is the thing about the roses and the thorns. Yeah. That one. Much loved by the companies that make inspirational posters, like the ones that show impossibly precious kittens dangling from frayed ropes with the stenciled exhortation to "HANG ON." "Or those that show a bucket of lemons and the suggestion to make lemonade when life gifts you lemons. Of course, if life does not also send some sugar and water your way, all you can make is lemon juice....
Anyway, back to the roses and the thorns. Although even a quick search will show that the author of the thing about the roses and the thorns is in dispute, Lincoln is often credit for pointing out that rather than wondering why rosebushes are marred by thorns, we should be thankful that thornbushes are ennobled and glorified by roses.
Lincoln seems to me to a fine partner for such a saying. It is pithy, succint, and profound. There is depth of sadness and joy that reflect our perhaps-greatest President---even if he never said it. We could do worse than to hang it on honest Abe.
To follow this advice is quite a challenge, admittedly. Too many distractions, too many annoyances, too much chance of getting a finger prick every day.
But---but---but
Can it be as simple as an act of will, a cosmic reset done daily? To see what can be instead of what isn't? To see beauty instead of bother?
I have tried to look for positive characteristics in challenging times, and have found myself much the better for it.
I have tried to celebrate small victories every day even in the face of uncertainties, and have felt the benefit of reforming my outlook. Much like Scrooge in his vow to keep Christmas better than any other.
For me, the key seems to be this approach. There are two competing quotes re thorns and roses that I have seen on the aforementioned motivational posters. One mentions that " some always find fault with Nature for putting thorns on roses; I always thank her for having put roses on thorns.”
The other, the one that sings to me and exhilirates me, is this:
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."
The key word is REJOICE. I am not just thankful to find beauty in the midst of bother, I must be JUBILANT. Astonished. Radiant. Gobsmacked, even.
Always REJOICE
