Sitting at the Opening

Dear Friends,
Last week the Infinite Presence called: Go. 
Leave. Explore. Become. 
This week the Presence calls: Sit. 
Be with. Notice. Abide. 
 
Avraham sat among the trees
at the opening of the tent,
and the Infinite Presence appeared.
 
He lifted his eyes
and saw the Presence
within all.
 
He saw that the Infinite Presence
is with us in promise and hope,
in conflict and longing,
in devastation and grief.
 
He saw that the Infinite Presence is with us
in the possibility for transformation
not yet seen or imagined.
 
Avraham rose and ran to meet the Presence.
He bowed low to the ground and stood ready
for all that life would bring.
 
What can help us sit in the turmoil, cruelty
and chaos of these times?
What can help us keep rising
to meet all that these times bring?
 
Perhaps sitting for a while with the trees,
sharing a meal with friends,
noticing and engaging in acts of kindness.
Perhaps listening to music, reading a good book,
asking for or offering help.
 
We are each here now and
who we are and what we have to give
is needed and necessary.
 
Let us take care of our own hearts and souls
so we can keep rising for the sake of each other.
 
May we have moments when we sit at the opening
and feel the Infinite Presence with us.
 
May there be moments when we lift our eyes and dare to believe
in a world transformed by our shared kindness, generosity and love.
 
Much Love and Blessing,
Shalom,
Rabbi Yael