With the end of the secular new year comes the self-imposition of life decisions. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, certain points in time encourage renewal, cessation, and reflection. One can’t help but ask the question, “Am I walking towards the right direction?”
Recently, I had the opportunity to analyze footsteps on the beach. I took several pictures, wondering about the paths belonging to those that created the imprints. There were no patterns. Quite the opposite. Overlapping lines, intersecting chains, differing directions, circles, indiscernible beginnings and ends. A reminder that we can’t say with certainty, “I know which way my path will unfold.”
However, the prophet Micah does reveal a particular path to follow. Micah 6:8 teaches, “And what does the Lord require of you? Only to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” While we may not know exactly “where” we are going, the road is buffered with strong stanchions. A walk accompanied with faith, humility, empathy, and love is a walk worth taking.
Don’t worry if your path seems filled with curves and dead ends. Our GPS forgot to mention that the pathway of righteousness is the ultimate destination.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is a rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
