Like all of you, I don’t know what to worry about first! I envision all the worries waiting in line to be served, and I am telling them to take a number, please! I can’t keep them all straight, I need to think about what they need, how I can accommodate them, and clearly, how can I send them away? But my gut tells me that they are here for a long time to come, and I will need to create a way to cope!
Last month, I was saddened to learn of the devastation in Haiti, how many are displaced, hungry and trying to find ways to rebuild. We made a donation, kept the Haitians in our positive thoughts, and carried on.
Then, the Afghanis’ struggle was front and center, so many displaced, hungry, and trying to find ways to rebuild. We made another donation, kept the Afghanis in our positive thoughts, and carried on.
Just a few days ago, Hurricane Ida struck with a vengeance the state of Louisiana, and so many are displaced, hungry and trying to find ways to rebuild. We made another donation, kept the people of Louisiana in our positive thoughts, and carried on.
And now, the state of New Jersey, the state in which I live and one which steps up to help so many in extremis, is, in extremis and it is sad and scary! Towns I travel are under water, the Somerset Patriots Stadium, home to Yankees AA Affiliate team I attended late spring is more than halfway under water, fish are found on major highways and the Soup Kitchen where we serve meals to those who may be food insecure, may, itself, now be floating. No doubt, we will be experiencing or observing the devastation for a long time to come. The Civic Engagement Group from our Jewish Center will find ways to be a resource, we always do, but how many bandages can we place on those who are suffering?
I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to make an impact. I don’t know what changes can or will be made. I only know that Mother Nature is not happy, and I am assuming she is seeking revenge for our ignorance and hubris; 20-year wars are not won or lost, they just end, and hopefully, some good will come, but it remains to be seen; climate change is wreaking havoc and my guess is it is only the beginning. Ah, my worries are taking over my mind!
Although I am an eternal optimist, I am reeling right now. Perhaps a few days of peace and calm will go a long way to lighten my spirits. Labor Day is the first night of the Jewish New Year. The end of the summer and the beginning of something filled with possibilities. Please let there be good to come…for all!
Healthy happy and sweet New Years and prayers for better days ahead. It seems when you think what else can happen, it does.
L’shona Tova, Ellen.. and to your family..
The worry box is overflowing, indeed. Sometimes we have to remember to take one hour at a
time… sometimes that’s all we can manage.
I’m hoping the spirits in the universe and the spirits in many many people, turn to good this year.
I hear you Ellen. First let me wish you and your family a Happy Healthy New year filled with Health Peace and love. I fear for all of us in today’s world. I pray as you do that this New Year will turn the negative feeling and events taking place around and peace will prevail.
Sherry R
DeAr Ellyn,
You and Bruce make an effort to make a difference n healing the world. Because you care deeply, you worry that your efforts are inadequate. They’re not insignificant though. From Jewish Ethics of our Fathers to JFK, great minds recognize that one person can make a difference and that it is incumbent upon us to try. We live in troubling times. You stand out as a beacon for positive change.
Great theme! The worries are getting to me, too. But as you say, this is the season of hope, renewing our energy to make a difference. Maybe kindness itself has more impact than we know.
Wishing you and your family a safe and sweet New Year. I always enjoy your thoughtful writing.
Ellen, what a powerful post. Sending you warm fuzzies – and maybe a lifejacket. -sio