Splendor of Eternal Will, 26 Days Omer 5781

Today is twenty-six days, which is three weeks and five days, of the Omer in the year 5781. הוד שבנצח, Hod ShebeNetzach, Splendor of Eternal Will. How do I manifest my connection to the Divine in the physical world? Does my countenance and personal space reflect my desire for communion with eternity?

My head is often in the clouds. Thinking about my to-do list, wondering about an intractable communal problem, or composing my thoughts. It is difficult for me to stay comfortably present in the moment. Fleeting moments of present awareness arrive when preparing a meal, praying, or talking with someone face-to-face.

Prayer as a way into Now

Ideally, prayer helps refocus one's energy into the present moment. Remembering the eternity of every moment, I can let go of my anxieties and embrace the joy of being here right now.

Babies also capture Presence

Regardless of what else is going on, if you bring a baby into the room and I guarantee you I'll smile. I cannot explain why my countenance lights up immediately when I see a baby. Let me hold your kid and I'll be savoring that energy for days. Several newborns arrived recently. My radical amazement at the holy act of creation is infinite.

For me, the Splendor of Eternal Will is manifested through every new life. My deepest prayer is for every person who wants to parent is able to do so. And that as a society, we build the infrastructure necessary to support families.