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A Moment in Time: Keeping it Clear

[additional-authors]
October 31, 2019

Dear all,

I was driving a few blocks north of Temple Akiba today. There was a spot along the road that instructed drivers to “Keep Clear.” (I looked up the exact spot on Google Earth and captured a screen shot of this bird’s-eye view).
It made an impression on me, as my mind was filled with so much:
When will I make it to the grocery store?
Have I returned my messages?
Can I make it to my next meeting on time without stopping at the gas station – and will I run out of gas in the process?
Did I really need that piece of candy I just ate? Did I really need the second piece?
And so on….
While the “Keep clear” sign was intended to make me cognizant of traffic on the road – perhaps the sign was really a message that I needed to clear my thoughts, get rid of the clutter, and remind myself of the important stuff:
Did I tell Ron I love him?
What story will I read to my twins today?
Am I being fully present for my community?
Am I being fully present for myself?
“Keep clear.” All it takes is a moment in time.
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
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