We say that God sustains the world with grace. The Hebrew word for "sustain," m'chakel, has as its root "vessel." The image is beautiful. Our entire world is a beautifully constructed vessel overflowing with God's grace. So, too, should you imagine that your heart is a vessel filled with love and grace. Surround yourself with people who sustain that image as you venture on.
Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar, God Whispers: Stories of the Soul, Lessons of the Heart
We don't usually think of gentleness as a source of power. Yet there's nothing as powerful as true gentleness. Such sensitivity requires that we really tune into others.
Gentleness means we are not harsh, hard, or forceful, especially when dealing in areas which are particularly sensitive or where the other person is vulnerable. Every one of us has areas of their lives that they are sensitive about, where hurts or wounds have left tender reminders or tough scars. If we are gentle, these are respected. We allow and ensure time and space for healing of these wounds.
Eye Mask
In this dark I rest,
unready for the light which dawns
day after day,
eager to be shared.
Black silk, shelter me.
I need more of the night
before I open eyes and heart
to illumination. I must still
grow in the dark like a root
not ready, not ready at all.
By Denise Levertov
Czeslaw Milosz, A Book of Luminous Things
Rarely have I seen positive and negative people attracted to one another. People who view life as a series of opportunities and exciting challenges don't want to hear others talk about how bad things are all the time.
John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
Baruch Ata Adonai Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam a-sher ke-d-sha-nu b- mitz-vo-tav, v-tzi-va-nu al s-fi-rat ha-omer.
We extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness, and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land. The State of Israel is prepared to do its share in a common effort for the advancement of the entire Middle East.
Excerpt from Israel's Declaration of Independence
There is still a white sail on the horizon opposite a heavy black cloud.
May all that we ask for come to pass.
