Roses + Thorns

Last September we had dear friends over for dinner who reminded us of "roses + thorns," the ritual of going around the dinner table and listening to everyone share their best and worst parts of the day. It's a simple custom, and I must say the sentimental tidbits we heard from the five {talking} children that night were enough to make a grown man cry.


Right away we started doing roses + thorns at home. I initiate it most nights after Buby says blessing. Everyone likes to participate, but honestly it's difficult for me to squeeze a figurative thorn out of Buby. He's a happy little soul who sees the good in every person and situation. He looks past rain clouds and focuses on rainbows. Always. He's fast to forgive and move on. His glass overfloweth.


I tell him it's okay to have a worst part of the day... a dark spot... a negative feeling... a hurtful moment... a snack he didn't like or a rule he broke. {Bleu has LOTS of them!} Thorns are just part of life and can ignite some of the most fruitful discussions. But save for once or twice, Buby responds, "I don't have any thorns, Mom, just lots of roses."


And that's okay, too.


Today my rose was picturing Buby executing his Jackson Pollock-inspired art project at school. I've been excited for him all week and can't wait to see the results. My thorn was my burning eyes. I was so tired this morning that wearing contacts was not an option. Bear is cutting his first tooth, and long stretches of sleep are just not his forté.


And that's okay, too.