Patience and learning from our neighbors

At my ordination, the Biblical quote I used was from Psalms,

כד  זֶה-הַיּוֹם, עָשָׂה יְ-ה-וָ-ה;    נָגִילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָה בוֹ.

24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Many days it isn't so difficult to follow, but other days it is a heck of a lot more challenging.

Reading my neighbor across the bridge, Rabbi Brent Spodek's post, really got me thinking.
https://beaconhebrewalliance.org/content/day

Of course, at the moment, thinking itself is challenging.  For what seems like the 10th time this year, I find myself with a miserable head cold.  My ears hurt, my head hurts, my throat hurts and Shabbat is coming.  I am visiting my ENT's office for more visits than MVP probably would like.  Feeling sick makes me tired, and less likely to see the good in myself or others.

Rabbi Brent writes
"That is why we call it spiritual practice, not spiritual accomplishment. At every moment, we have the choice to celebrate what is or mourn what isn't. Discernment about what are the lacks, the inadequacies to mourn and change and what are the ones to accept and celebrate is the very goal of spiritual practice. "

This makes me think of one of my other favorite texts, from Pirkei Avot--Ben Zoma asks (and answers) Who is rich? One who is content with what he has.  (Pirkei Avot 4:1)

Even if this week isn't quite going as planned, a little rest never hurt anyone.  Tomorrow (Friday) is a great day.  Attempting an #asktherabbi at Barnes and Nobles in Newburgh--by the Starbucks 9:30-10:30.  From there I will go check out a gelato plant (with a mask) to see what would it take to make it kosher enough for our shul!  A little prep for Shabbat and then it will be time to come together in joy and prayer.  What more can we ask from life?

Additionally this week, I went to the Federation's General Assembly.  I was incredibly impressed at the breadth and depth of their holy work throughout the USA and beyond.  We have much to learn from our friends and neighbors, near and far.  As Rabbi Freedman and I discussed in the car ride home--when we weren't creating peace in the middle east--was that the enthusiasm we saw in DC was infectious.  Let's create an epidemic of enthusiasm, let's spread the good will, let's share the energy!  Shabbat is coming!  Today is the day Gd has made--ENJOY it!  And if you're a little under the weather, you are being forced to rest, appreciate that, too!