Aldo Leopold wrote in Sand County Almanac that what we seek is peace in our time. I knew his words were important, but I didn’t really understand. Why peace? I’m a fairly intense person and at some point came to the conclusion that to aspire and to find happiness were two goals that could not live together in one person. Yet…there is a door to happiness for all of us.

I understood that hope and aspiration, desire even, are part of what makes human beings unique. To lose these qualities is to stop living. The quality that opens the door to true happiness, however, is gratitude.

Such a profound concept dashed away by many, myself included, because of its simple nature. To be truly thankful for those who love us, to those we love, and for what we have, no matter how great or small, is, finally, the path to freedom. More, be thankful for your pain. I learned this lesson when I lost love, and how to cope? Take courage and realize that to hurt is to be alive; it is proof of our humanity. You can love again.

The next time Japanese Beetles take over your garden, let it be. Put the hand-wringing away and realize that nature’s own inscrutable ways have prepared your roses to survive even the Japanese Beetles (and late frosts). There is too much to appreciate in your life to worry about the occasional season of beetles. Further, be thankful that you are here, in your time, to see it all.

Barrie

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