Harold L. Johnson, 33°
1005 N 2nd Street
Clinton, Iowa 52732-3733

The faith and optimism of a girl challenged by life epitomizes the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

During this special time of the year, I have to wonder what thoughts go through the minds of people when they think of Thanksgiving. It seems to be our nature to think about what we don't have rather than what we do have. Don't we tend to take for granted what we have and then ask for more? Are we ever satisfied? Do we ever say to ourselves "that's more than enough?"

I'm reminded of the story of a girl who was born without arms and legs. She was cherished and loved by her family, and she grew up to become a very happy person. One day her brother brought his college roommate home for the weekend. Before the roommate, who had been struggling with rejecting his own faith, returned to the campus, he asked the girl, "Don't you wish you had never been born? How can you believe in God when you see so many other people with arms and legs who can get around without any problems?"

The girl was not offended by the question. With a smile she answered, "I wouldn't have missed the chance to be alive for anything. I realize what I can do seems very little when compared to what other people can do. But when I compare my situation to not having lived at all—to never having seen or tasted or smelled or heard or known the delight of reading and thinking—I am overwhelmingly grateful to God for the life I have been privileged to live."

Could there be a better example of Thanksgiving?

Harold L. Johnson presently serves as Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G., Clinton, Iowa, Scottish Rite Bodies. He holds 50-year memberships in Western Star Lodge No. 100, the Clinton Scottish Rite Bodies, and Kaaba Shrine Temple in Davenport, Iowa. He is also a member of the York Rite Bodies. He holds dual membership in Lyons Lodge No. 93 in Clinton and is a 50-year Charter Member and Past President of Clinton High Twelve Club. He served as editor of the Clinton Valley's Booster News for over 10 years and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society. He has served as General Chairman for the Valley of Clinton's successful Alzheimer's Fund Campaign for the Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation's charitable works for the Orient of Iowa. He has been in business for 62 years, for 33 years as the owner of a photographic studio, and he now owns a real estate company.