One of the most unforgettable lyrics from my high school days was “Every rose has its thorn.” As a sophomore, I didn’t fully appreciate the meaning of those words, but now—37 years later—I get it.
And while definitely not as catchy, I’ve come to appreciate the writer Alphonse Karr’s words even more: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that our outlook shapes our experience.
With the time change and shorter days ahead, it’s easy to feel like winter sneaks up on us all at once. The mornings are darker, the evenings come too soon, and the cold can wear us down.
Even when the days feel dark, there’s still so much to be grateful for—a kind word, a shared laugh, or a quiet moment at home. When we choose to focus on the roses, the thorns don’t disappear—but they don’t define our perspective anymore.