June 2, 2015
(This is part of a 365 project
during my 70th years where I write and illustrate a blog on each
day’s gift.)
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| Are there any four-leaf clovers here? |
There are three main parts to any narrative—beginning,
middle, end. In other words, there is a decision, a process and a result. Is
any part more important than another?
I made a decision to pursue my doctorate and when I
was 60, I earned a Doctor of Communications degree from the University of
Baltimore. The decision was a big one because it would require a huge
commitment of cost, time and energy. During my studies, I tackled challenges
and grew intellectually. A bonus was new friendships that have been cultivated
and continue today. Of course, receiving the degree was a pleasure and it is
hanging framed in my office, but what brought me the most satisfaction was the
pursuit of the degree.
On a smaller scale, which is most important—the
decision to look for a four-leaf clover, the search or the result?
My lawn is growing clover, which I prefer over
ordinary grass. Today these three-leaf plants beckon me to search for a four-leaf
clover, which might be called unique or deformed, depending on
perspective. I look for the unique. How will my search unfold? Traditionally,
each of the three leaves is symbolic—one for faith, a second for hope, a third
for love and a fourth for luck. I read that the most leaves ever found on
a single stem of a clover is 56 and was discovered in 2009 by Shigeo Obara in
Japan. He certainly has an abundance of luck with his find.
My life has been full of luck: I was born in a
loving family; my health is not debilitating; I have a decent home; I’ve met
many interesting people and am surrounded by good friends; I have been able to
travel; I won a $4,000 second-place prize in a Kodak photo contest; I won a
Fulbright to Japan; I have a wonderful husband and daughters. And much, much more. Obviously, I have
much to be thankful for and have no need to find a lucky fourth leaf. However,
the search—the process—is always an adventure.
My
gift today is searching.
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