Lift Up the Sacred

As the book of Shemot draws to a close

the work of creating the mishkan,

the sacred dwelling for the Divine,

comes to rest.

The mishkan has been fashioned

with gifts from generous hearts, wise spirits

and the awareness that what we have to offer is enough.

The kavod hashem, the Glory of the Infinite, fills the mishkan

and calls to all the people:

            Pause. Stop. Rest. Be.

                        This will keep your soul vibrant and your heart amazed.

            Honor your gifts, make your offerings.

                        You are needed. You are necessary.

            Practice discernment,

                        Acknowledge confusion.

                        When cloudy and unsure, be still.

            Lift up the sacred.

 Make a place for great sorrows and exuberant joys to dwell together.

            Be open to guidance,

                        It will come in the clarity of fire and in the fog of uncertainty.

                        Always there will be signs, helping make clear the way.

hazakh hazak v’nithazek

Let us be strong and courageous. Let us strengthen each other.