A Day Of Rest, A Day Of Work

Yesterday was a prime example of why my wife and I decided to start going out again on Saturdays. While we made this decision earlier in the year and it has been of great benefit for us since that time most of the days have been just the two of us going out and exploring. Yesterday we had the chance to visit with friends whom we haven’t been able to get together with for some time. And during that visit we were able to see their new son.

These are the days that we cannot replace and the times that truly honor the day and give additional meaning to the day. We are able to appreciate all that G-d has given us and see all the blessings that have been bestowed upon our family and friends. This is what life is all about.

What’s more, with both of us on ‘normal’ schedules, we are finally getting around to fully embracing this time and use these days to recharge and do the things that we are unable to enjoy during the week. We have made these days holy by embracing and cherishing the day and all the possibilities is now offers. This day is made holy by the people, places, and experiences that make it unlike any other day.

While there is still much work that needs to be done, especially in freeing our minds from our weekday thoughts and tasks, this is certainly a step in the right direction. Even though a balance has yet to be achieved between tradition and modernity, we are closer to the center than we ever have been before. Services and study are still lacking but the perspective and appreciation, which I believe to be paramount, are in perfect harmony with our life.

Our next task needs to be to bring balance to Sunday. This tends to be a day that lacks both substance and productivity. Today is a day that is fraught with general laziness which isn’t a bad thing from time to time but should not be a weekly occurrence. Tasks that need to be done tend to get pushed to the next weekend or into the busy week. There is a certain absence of fulfillment that tends to tarnish the day.

But things have begun to change. We have gotten a few things done today and last weekend but still not as much as I would have liked to… the office is still a disaster area which is completely my fault. But other things are getting done, Shabbat is coming along, and the work week is filled with activity and productivity so, overall, we are on a really good pace and finally returning to a fulfilling life even if there are a couple of days that need work.