What's It All About?

It's all too easy for days to pass without reflection. It's my hope that through a greater active awareness on each day, that I will be able to consider God's presence in my life and in the world around me. Writing has always been a way for me to round up my thoughts. This blog seems like a good place to park those thoughts for my own benefit as well as the benefit of others. Please take a moment to read what I have written, to offer comments, and to share the ideas with others.
Libby

Monday, January 2, 2017

What Weeds Can Teach Us About Survival in The New Year

When life covers your world with asphalt...
This year both Hanukkah and Christmas seemed to arrive quickly. Not being totally prepared is a little stressful. Both holidays demand introspection. This year there didn't seem to be any time for that kind of deep thinking.

However, it pays to look down! My regular walk happens to take me across a parking lot. As I looked down I noticed the weeds poking up through a crack in the pavement. At the same time, I found myself musing on the meaning of Hanukkah. As far as I know, it's really a kind of historical/religious holiday for Jewish people, celebrating a long ago military and religious victory. Moreover, it's a celebration of the seemingly impossible-the stretching of a supply of oil meant for only one day that miraculously lasts for eight days. Where could such an archaic series of events intersect with our current modern day life?

As I looked around myself and then down again at the pavement, it occurred to me that these weeds poking up through the cracks were emblematic of what the holidays are about: celebration of new life in light of often difficult circumstances. It's the perseverance of the human spirit in times of darkness, only personified in the form of small green shoots doggedly poking their way up through a crack in the asphalt. What better to symbolize the miracle of both Christmas and Hanukkah. 

As we face the New Year, which to many of us presents the seemingly impossible, remember the weeds! It sounds simplistic I know but follow their lead: find a way  to thrive even if you face the impossible.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!
Libby

Posted by at

4 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 2, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    Nice way to see things. Thriving despite our difficulties is probably the best way towards a good life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby FifeJanuary 3, 2017 at 7:52 AM

      Thanks Karen. I always struggle to make Jewish holidays relevant to me and contemporary in a way. Maybe not what was intended in a traditional way but it works for me!

      Thanks for reading and commenting. Hope your New Year is off to a great start!
      Libby

      Delete
  2. Judy HartmanJanuary 2, 2017 at 12:29 PM

    A great perspective, Libby. I think "Remember the Weeds" should become our country's slogan! Sometimes inspiration is right in front of us, as you've pointed out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby FifeJanuary 3, 2017 at 7:54 AM

      How about our battle cry?!!! For me at least, the next four years are going to be very challenging. I am just going to focus on poking through the cracks:)

      Hope all is well. happy New Year to you!
      Libby

      Delete

I am not into censorship but instead just feel that some caution is in order. Please comment freely.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)