Note to Self,
Each year you use the High Holidays as a reminder to take stock of the year which has passed. What has occurred? How did you grow? What has changed? Knowing how busy and increasingly forgetful you are, I take this opportunity to remind you not to overlook three moments:
- Reading an EKG in his office, my doctor said to me, “You may have 1. an arrhythmia. You need to see a cardiologist.” Several doctors and two stress tests later, the results came back. Your heart is strong. No arrhythmia. Do you remember how you felt upon receiving that news? You said, “I dodged a bullet.”
- As you drove across that intersection, a car, coming from the driver’s side of your car, sped up to run the red light. His car missed hitting yours by a fraction of a second. Don’t forget what you said: “I could have been killed!”
- Your daughter got married. As you stood with her beneath her Chuppah (just before you started crying), do you recall what you thought? You thought, “I can’t believe this is happening. She is so beautiful. I never thought this day would come!”
Carry these moments with you as you cross over into the new year. Remember how fragile and tentative your life is. A diagnosis. A speeding car. Your life could have ended. Your daughter’s wedding. Your year has been filled with blessings of life, health and unparalleled joy.
Dear Self, don’t forget to be grateful. Don’t forget to thank God. You deserved none of the above. Many worthy people have not been so blessed. These were gifts for which you must give thanks.
Just thought I would remind you,
Me
Neil Cooper is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel – Beth El in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. www.tbhla.org
