Thoughts & Reflections as the Year 5767 Comes to An End
Although I have not posted nor written much on this blog for most of the year, I have, as one might expect continued to think, grow and learn. This has not been an easy year in so many ways, but in others, it has been one of tremendous growth, and consequently, some of the best lessons have been learned. Indulge me, please for a moment to share some of them with you.
First and foremost, there are so many kind strangers in the world, who come to one's aid, by acts and good deeds in times of need. People are truly there for you, and follow through often when least expected. Just because people are religious does not mean that they are righteous. It is easy to talk, but ultimately, good acts count a great deal, and often, they are done by people whom one does not known or come from those one least expects.
Another lesson I have learned is that one cannot force religion down someone else's throat. A great example of this is that the other day, when I was helping out at the Chabad Telethon, I wanted my husband to come in and see it with me, to have a meal. He was not signed up, and although I had been there volunteering for 2 hours, he was told he could not come in. Under no circumstances was he allowed to come. I think G-d wanted me to hear this message because strangely, the valet on the street, who was to park my car told me that it would not start, it was completely immobile. To me, I construed this as a message from G-d: respect your husband and do not force him to do something he does not want to do. It also told me that people can talk and ultimately not be there for you when one needs help the most. We had no ride home, and no-one there offered to help. A great lesson was learned: those who are religious are not always righteous, and this is the last year I will volunteer for the telethon again.
Learn to stay quiet, even if one wants to speak. Be patient, allow life and its consequences to unfold, but do not miss the opportunity to live every moment to its fullest, even if you are consumed with pain, fear and suffering. Be kind to others, especially those who are in need. Often people who are homeless are mentally ill, and they are not working because they are not able to do so. Give to the downtrodden, or those who need it the most.
Peace of mind cannot be overrated. In fact, in the scheme of things, I have come to believe that it is one of the greatest commodities that one can garnish from this life. Prayer and when one truly trusts in G-d helps one to achieve this end.
As we approach the New Year, I know that saying one is sorry to another is important, but it is equally important, if not more so, to change one's behavior, follow one's words with acts, and be kind to others even when we least feel like it.
May you and yours be inscribed for a good year, a year of good health, peace, joy, and may the State of Israel be safe, secure and prosperous.
Thank you for your minds.
First and foremost, there are so many kind strangers in the world, who come to one's aid, by acts and good deeds in times of need. People are truly there for you, and follow through often when least expected. Just because people are religious does not mean that they are righteous. It is easy to talk, but ultimately, good acts count a great deal, and often, they are done by people whom one does not known or come from those one least expects.
Another lesson I have learned is that one cannot force religion down someone else's throat. A great example of this is that the other day, when I was helping out at the Chabad Telethon, I wanted my husband to come in and see it with me, to have a meal. He was not signed up, and although I had been there volunteering for 2 hours, he was told he could not come in. Under no circumstances was he allowed to come. I think G-d wanted me to hear this message because strangely, the valet on the street, who was to park my car told me that it would not start, it was completely immobile. To me, I construed this as a message from G-d: respect your husband and do not force him to do something he does not want to do. It also told me that people can talk and ultimately not be there for you when one needs help the most. We had no ride home, and no-one there offered to help. A great lesson was learned: those who are religious are not always righteous, and this is the last year I will volunteer for the telethon again.
Learn to stay quiet, even if one wants to speak. Be patient, allow life and its consequences to unfold, but do not miss the opportunity to live every moment to its fullest, even if you are consumed with pain, fear and suffering. Be kind to others, especially those who are in need. Often people who are homeless are mentally ill, and they are not working because they are not able to do so. Give to the downtrodden, or those who need it the most.
Peace of mind cannot be overrated. In fact, in the scheme of things, I have come to believe that it is one of the greatest commodities that one can garnish from this life. Prayer and when one truly trusts in G-d helps one to achieve this end.
As we approach the New Year, I know that saying one is sorry to another is important, but it is equally important, if not more so, to change one's behavior, follow one's words with acts, and be kind to others even when we least feel like it.
May you and yours be inscribed for a good year, a year of good health, peace, joy, and may the State of Israel be safe, secure and prosperous.
Thank you for your minds.
