What a morning. . .

These truly have been Days of Awe, the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I actually wrote the rest of this Shabbat Encouragement last Friday morning and I can only say each day since has been bursting with the manifestation of His Presence.

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Today started with me wanting to share Erika Kirk’s eulogy with my cousin who the day before had shared some troubling comments with me about her understanding of Charlie Kirk. I am not going to get into any of that here for that is not relevant nor productive to the point of this writing.

I suggested she listen to Ms. Kirk’s comments with no preconceptions, without judgment from previous feelings or understandings, but rather, just try to listen to it as from a widow giving a eulogy for her husband. I also suggested she listen to the whole eulogy since it is very easy to miss the nuances by listening just to excerpts. She took my recommendation and did a 180. She texted afterward, “It has opened my eyes”. I’m sure she has not changed her opinion on the merits of Charlie’s or Erika Kirk’s stand on various issues. I’m sure the eulogy did, however, change her heart.

I also listened to it again with Sid for I knew that I could benefit, especially by how Erika describes the role of women. It was not time wasted. It felt as if I had started my day with my heart and mind on God. Erika’s honest, transparent, heart driven words to bring love not hate to this world were inspiring and so needed in these days.

Of course I had to put on my jogging shoes! As I listened to the Daily Davar the words soaked my soul, perhaps even more deeply than usual. When I lost internet on the route I switched to my Messianic Jewish music playlist. The sun was warm, the air cool, the surroundings as a magnificently painted fine work of art.

One of the local neighbors on that street stopped me to chat. She was wanting the music group of which I’m a member to perform on the local pier again. Then she mentioned seeing me jogging made her want to try jogging again for she had gotten away from it, to which I said, “Hey, I’m 75. If I can do it, you can!” To my surprise she said, “I’m 75 too!!” So the fun began . . .

We covered a lot of bases, if not deeply theological at this first time together, the interchanges were deeply caring and loving, feeling another’s challenges. Being an encourager in these times is felt as water in a desert.

I had turned my music down to be able to have the conversation. After our time together, as I increased the volume to finish my jog, these are the words I first heard,

“. . .

Yes, Lord, we wait for You,

Our hearts yearn for you,

Hide not your face from the House of Jacob.

Even so I wait for Thee

My spirit longs for Thee

Though you may tarry

I wait for Thee.

. . . ”

How is it possible the timing of those words would be so perfect if not orchestrated by our Creator for me to know He is listening and guiding me as I share His Love with others?!  Is it that my heart is so highly tuned to want Him with me every moment that these words had such a powerful resonance with me at that moment? The revelation of His Glory, His engagement in our every moment if we yearn for it, is so palpable as we seek Him to help us do His Will.

Yes, Lord, I wait for You. My heart, my spirit, yearn for you. Hineini, I’m here, waiting to be led, to shepherd your loved ones as You direct me. How perfect the next song after that on my playlist, the beautiful Marty and Misha Goetz’s “The Plans I Have for You”, as He reassured me further.

Our Creator has plans for each and every one of us. The Days of Awe have ended but not days of awe of Him which never end if we seek Him on every one of them. These are the days to listen harder, pray harder, be willing to shine His light on all those you can. Listen with your heart to your brothers and sisters. Spread His Love. Make it palpable.

Hineinu, we’re here, oh Holy One, lead us to serve You.

Shabbat shalom.

Diane