What is it About September?

As the month of Elul has begun to descend upon us, and we examine ourselves, honestly in preparation for the New Year, so many thoughts surface, like a running stream that does not stop. And to make matters even more complex, September is beginning, a month that has not been too good to me for the last couple of years.

Over these past few days, it would be fair to say that I have been pre-occupied with some health related issues. Often consumed with worry, and propelled by fear, it is very easy to get myself into the worse case scenario involving any issue. Am I alone in this thinking? I doubt it, as from talking to others, being in the public, and reading your blogs, it is often the case that our heads take us to places and conclusions that have little, if any, basis in reality. As it is the case, more often than not what I think is not correct, thankfully.

Why is this the case, and what is it about one’s make-up that allows this to happen? Are some of us more inclined to jump to the wrong conclusion too quickly? It was not even 3 weeks ago when we made our daring trip to Israel, and although we were all right with the idea of leaving, even when the country was in the middle of a war, so many around us said that we should not go. Is it fear that gets in one’s way, or is it that we do not have enough faith in our Creator?

Going to Israel was not difficult, even during a war for me, but when it comes to some things, especially in the area of health, going to that dark, fearful place in a New York minute comes so quickly. For example, yesterday and today, I was so wound up, scared, thinking the worst, that I decided it was best to get outside of myself more. So what did I do? I prayed more, and tried to do more good deeds for others. In fact, I even offered to type the resume of one of my colleagues who is computer challenged. “How generous of you,” he remarked, when all the while it was me who I was thinking about, i.e., if I do something good, kind for this person, maybe good will come to pass for me as well. As it turns out, being kind did allow me to do something for another person, but it also got me outside of myself so that I was not consumed by fear. As it turns out, for today, this very moment, the health issue has subsided.

On a note: We are going to Houston, Texas for the long weekend for a wedding. I hope everyone has a meaningful Labor Day, and remember, to live each moment to the best of one’s ability. Hang on to those blessings, and remember them clearly, as it is the case that life, in all its glory and temperament, can indeed change in an instant.

Thank you for your minds.