My Rosh Hashanah Mantra

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The Almighty has given me everything I need.

It’s shocking how fast the year goes by. Even though some of those summer days seemed endless, Rosh Hashanah seems to be upon us all too quickly. Our time for preparation is rapidly dwindling. And if we procrastinate just a little (the old “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” strategy), we may miss the opportunity altogether.

So I’m putting away the menus and the tempting recipes. I’m ignoring the siren call of the kitchen, the market, the laundry and yes, even the kids. And I’m sitting down to think about my goals for the year.

As usual, I have about a zillion of them – way more than I could ever accomplish, even when I had the energy of a 25 year-old (while accepting of my age and wrinkles, I haven’t quite reconciled myself to a depleted energy reserve!). So I’m narrowing my focus.

There’s one thought I plan to hold on to when I hear that shofar blow (and it’s not “Wow, how long was that tekiah gedolah? I wonder if the rabbi down the block can blow for that long!”) The Almighty has given me everything I need. Yes, you read that correctly. Everything. There is nothing lacking in my life. Yes, you read that correctly as well. Nothing.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t more growth available. That doesn’t mean I have relinquished my hopes, dreams and aspirations – for myself, my husband, my children, the Jewish people.

But at this moment, all is where it’s supposed to be. At this moment, there is not one molecule missing. The Almighty is running the show (He is the King of Kings after all) and He has given me all the tools I need to make the most of my life.

A wave of peace washes over me (along with a fervent prayer that I will be able to hold on to this thought past the first three shofar blasts!).

But I know it’s the secret, the key to a successful holiday and a successful life.

It’s so hard to maintain that focus. The yetzer hara, our lower self, keeps popping up with a list of what I’m lacking, berating me for being such a fool as to think I have it all. Have I no ambition?!

So I’m praying for one more thing – the ability to access the strength and trust that will keep me attached to this idea and out of the yetzer hara’s grasp (no matter the challenges – I’ll spare you my list).

I’m asking the Almighty to help me. And I think He just might. After all, it’s Rosh Hashanah, and the gates of prayer are open wide.

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