The Constancies of Our Lives

One of the great constancies of our lives is the possibility for appreciation. But how often do we take time to express it? Ask any family who has lost a loved one, and they will tell you about so many missed opportunities.

With our loved ones, our sense of appreciation teaches us to treasure them constantly. With our health, it teaches us to take care of ourselves and not to neglect ourselves. With our children, it teaches us to cherish them at every age; and with our parents, it teaches us to honor them for who they are, and what they have done, and what they have made of us.

There is a story about a man who was a simple and unpretentious admirer of fine art; and he took his pleasures by visiting the great art galleries. One day he was admiring a priceless painting when a friend jokingly said to him:  “Why do you allow yourself to become so enthusiastic over things you can never afford to own?” The admirer of great art said: “I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have, than to have things I cannot appreciate.”

Religion says to each of us: Here is a constant of life – open your eyes to see that you are surrounded by blessings. Do not ignore them. Do not wait until they disappear.

What is the greatest blessing we possess? The ability to offer a word of appreciation. What is the greatest power we possess? The power to let someone else know - and to let God know - that we are grateful.

With much affection,
Rabbi Sally

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Tags: life lessons, appreciation

Rabbi Sally - The People's Rabbi