Reflections

Endings and beginnings…  This time of the year on the Jewish and secular calendars makes me mindful of the cyclic nature of so much that we do; the progression of time, changes, transformations, and continuity.   Of course, the Jewish New Year and this season (the Yamim Nora’im – Days of Awe) are days of reflection upon ourselves; how are we are living our lives; what adjustments can we make to allow us to live more meaningful lives?  Riffing off of the word ‘reflection’ -  my mind immediately conjures the visual of sitting on the banks of a reflecting pool and seeing myself and my surroundings.  There I am in all of my glory, entwined with all of my successes and all of my pain and pitfalls.  Looking closer, I begin to see elements of the stories that are my life- the turbulence and the calm glassy stretches, the surprises, humor and gifts – that seed my life.   After some time, I find myself looking in that reflection, specifically for the people in my life who I have loved and do love –impossible to comprehend that reflection without them.  They have shaped so much of who I am.  Ultimately, though, it is me who takes full responsibility for that person staring back at me.  I am hopeful that in the year ahead, my hand will not recklessly throw a stone, damaging my image, but instead that it will gently toss a pebble making interesting waves and lovely distortions adding interest and strength.  And so may it be with you.  Shanah Tovah umitukah and may you be written in the book of life!