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 through out the year. In my parent's home, we were always told,"This year you will receive a dollar for each black-eye you eat today." I can't find black-eyed peas and hog jowl a delicacy even though my son, Barry, does. But, with the state of the economy as it is, I may just 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 . And the dullest life possible is one devoid of struggle. Without discipline in our lives we tend to create a dull, childish personality. Life is made richer by exertion. And, if the economy doesn't improve during 2010 many of us will have obstacles to overcome.
But, now as we begin a new year, we can count blessings we do have. Sometimes while struggling too hard up the side of our mythical mountain we miss some beautiful scenery because we could only see 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, weather or not, you dine on black-eye peas, I hope 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 through out the year. In my parent's home, we were always told,"This year you will receive a dollar for each black-eye you eat today." I can't find black-eyed peas and hog jowl a delicacy even though my son, Barry, does. But, with the state of the economy as it is, I may just 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 . And the dullest life possible is one devoid of struggle. Without discipline in our lives we tend to create a dull, childish personality. Life is made richer by exertion. And, if the economy doesn't improve during 2010 many of us will have obstacles to overcome.
But, now as we begin a new year, we can count blessings we do have. Sometimes while struggling too hard up the side of our mythical mountain we miss some beautiful scenery because we could only see 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, weather or not, you dine on black-eye peas, I hope that the upcoming year will bring you happiness.
See you next time.
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