EAT THE PEAS, HOPE FOR FUTURE
By OLIVENE GODFREY
It's a Southern tradition that if black-eye peas are eaten on New Year's day good luck and prosperity are assured throughout the year. In my parent's home we were always told, "This year you will receive a dollar for each blackeye pea you eat today."
I can't find black-eye peas and hog jowl a delicacy even though my son, Barry does. But, with the state of the economy as it is, I just may stuff myself with black-eye peas and also another food I'm not fond of--turnip greens. Some folks say if you eat turnip greens on New Year's day you'll have plenty of "greenbacks" during the year.
The past year has not been the best of years for Americans. Yet, we are alive and a new year brings some promise of better things to come. A good New Year's resolution is to strive to grow as a person. Elliot Paul wrote,"Whatever isn't growing wears out." Our Creator could have made us like a spider, the creature that has nothing to learn. He is born with completely developed instincts, knowing just how to be a model spider.
But, human beings must struggle to achieve maturity, to achieve our potentials. And the dullest kind of life possible is one devoid of struggle. Without discipline in our lives we tend to create a dull, childish personality. And, some of the most interesting experiences in life are in overcoming obstacles. Life is made richer by exertion. And, if the economy doesn't improve during 2009 many more of us will have obstacles to overcome.
But, now as we begin a new year, we can count what blessings we do have. Sometimes while struggling too hard up the side of our mythical mountain we miss some beautiful scenery because we could see only the peaks. I try to be a realistic optimist.
And I think the individuals who made our country great were realistic, yet optimistic. And in the months ahead it will be important for us to hold onto our optimism and not to give up and to remember that we've seen bad times before and overcame them.
And, whether or not, you dine on black-eye peas this year, I hope that each of you have a happy day and that the upcoming year will bring you happiness.
See you next time.
By OLIVENE GODFREY
It's a Southern tradition that if black-eye peas are eaten on New Year's day good luck and prosperity are assured throughout the year. In my parent's home we were always told, "This year you will receive a dollar for each blackeye pea you eat today."
I can't find black-eye peas and hog jowl a delicacy even though my son, Barry does. But, with the state of the economy as it is, I just may stuff myself with black-eye peas and also another food I'm not fond of--turnip greens. Some folks say if you eat turnip greens on New Year's day you'll have plenty of "greenbacks" during the year.
The past year has not been the best of years for Americans. Yet, we are alive and a new year brings some promise of better things to come. A good New Year's resolution is to strive to grow as a person. Elliot Paul wrote,"Whatever isn't growing wears out." Our Creator could have made us like a spider, the creature that has nothing to learn. He is born with completely developed instincts, knowing just how to be a model spider.
But, human beings must struggle to achieve maturity, to achieve our potentials. And the dullest kind of life possible is one devoid of struggle. Without discipline in our lives we tend to create a dull, childish personality. And, some of the most interesting experiences in life are in overcoming obstacles. Life is made richer by exertion. And, if the economy doesn't improve during 2009 many more of us will have obstacles to overcome.
But, now as we begin a new year, we can count what blessings we do have. Sometimes while struggling too hard up the side of our mythical mountain we miss some beautiful scenery because we could see only the peaks. I try to be a realistic optimist.
And I think the individuals who made our country great were realistic, yet optimistic. And in the months ahead it will be important for us to hold onto our optimism and not to give up and to remember that we've seen bad times before and overcame them.
And, whether or not, you dine on black-eye peas this year, I hope that each of you have a happy day and that the upcoming year will bring you happiness.
See you next time.
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