Dear all,
I take the babies on a walk 4-5 times a week through the hills. (Yes, I am always wearing a mask). It isn’t easy. As they get bigger, I get stronger. But then they get bigger again!
I try to complete the 3.5 loop within a certain time frame. But earlier this week, I faced a challenge.
10 minutes into the walk, a car slowed down, and the driver asked for directions. It was a little complicated, but I was able to (hopefully) help him out.
A while later, my phone rang. It was a close friend who was returning a call as I needed advice regarding parenting.
After that, I bumped into a neighbor whose husband had recently died. It was hard not to give her a hug given the pandemic.
I then decided to cut the walk short, as it was already getting dark. At first I was a little annoyed. You see, I didn’t reach my intended exercise goal.
But then I realized that I experienced something far more significant. You see, these three interactions were (perhaps) God’s outreach to me.
God was the stranger who needed direction.
God was the friend who offered advice.
God was the neighbor who was in grief.
And I had the opportunity, for three moments in time – to recognize God’s voice.
How will God call out to you this week? And how will you respond?
With love and Shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
