Last Shabbat I experienced so many emotions in such a short time frame that it gave me pause, prompting me to reflect on how this is even possible. As I did so I deeply understood the impact of prioritizing our relationship with God and the need to seek Him with intention, to choose l’chaim.

I awoke with time to take a jog before services. Jogging is definitely not work, nor recreation, for it is for me a time of deep conversation and prayer with our Creator. These are holy times often transformative bringing new thoughts and insights, moments to listen deeply and very often receive the inspiration for these Shabbat encouragements.

This Shabbat morning, however, I had awakened with a heavy heart for several reasons. The news headlines had been exceptionally troubling on the macro level, and I was still processing the loss of our dear Jacob. So I put on my running shoes and began the journey of listening to Friday’s Daily Davar, then talking with Yeshua. It was most likely a combination of the beautiful words of Scripture, the gorgeous day, and the endorphins from the jog. For when I arrived back home just a half hour later I felt so much better about that which had troubled me before I left. I knew all would be fine. God’s got this.

After freshening up I was ready to join services on Zoom (for we’re still in Florida). Perhaps it was that I was so prepared to engage or that the music was so angelic. The harmonies of Josh, Raina, and Joanna were exceptionally beautiful. Rabbi Rich had just led us in MaTovu. The song’s lyrics “For in His great compassion I will come into Thy house” described exactly what I was feeling as we were welcomed into worship. For how would we endure without such overwhelming, palpable compassion?

I was reminded as I experienced the roller coaster of emotions that morning that life as a mere mortal would always have its unpredictable ups and downs. Thankfully, we are social beings firmly rooted by our Creator’s love for us. So though we live in a world of uncertainty, the indestructible relationship of love we have with our Creator anchors us. His love for us infuses with holiness the bonds of love that bind us so strongly with those we love.

How we nurture those relationships, our words and actions expressing our love of Him, determines the quality, and equilibrium, of our lives. When He is our priority, and we live that by the choices we make to be with Him and love others, our lives can have shalom despite the hardships globally and personally that challenge our well being.

After immersing in Shabbat services it was time for virtual oneg. Even though the subjects we discussed were varied, we couldn’t help but continue our discussion of Jacob and his amazing parents Gary and Betsy. The more we shared, the more our hearts ached, but in a good way for the love connection was palpable. To hurt so deeply is hard, but a precious blessing as well.

His Strength manifests in our weakness. His Love is in our hearts. His Presence fills our lives. His Compassion and Mercy are the undeserved gifts we receive but will never understand. They are the enigmatic power that fuels our faith, for His power to lift us up is inexplicable, yet real.

No matter what the days or weeks bring, I hope you are reminded of these truths, for with their acknowledgment, affirmation, and appreciation we are strengthened to not only withstand and overcome the darkness but are able to dynamically live lives overflowing with happiness and inexplicable joy.

How blessed that it’s almost time again to immerse in His Holiness!

Shabbat shalom.

Diane