Going Out into the Fields of Elul

As the Elul journey continues
The Torah calls,
         As you go out…

As you go out, notice the challenges of being human.
Notice, in yourself, the inclination 
         to fight,
         to denigrate,
         to blame.

Notice that we humans so easily go astray
causing great harm to each other and earth.

As we go out into the fields of Elul, 
Let us ask:
         What hurts have I caused?
         What pain has resulted from my words, 
                  actions, silences?
         With whom do I need to make amends?
         Where and how can I seek repair?

Elul calls us to ask these questions 
with compassion,
understanding that we humans are complex creatures
who so often act from confusion, fear and pain.
 
Here in the fields of Elul,
the Divine Mystery is reaching for us,
calling to us with abundant love.
 
Let us respond with honest presence
and the willingness to turn and act with
love, generosity, kindness and patience
for the sake of each other and all the world.