Glass half full or half empty?
Brilliant! Literally dozens of times a day — this concept comes into play.
The rationalist will say, “but of course, both are true” — and promptly miss the point.
You see, half full is a focus on what is. That half is fully there and indeed there is no lacking.
This mindset is particularly important as we wrap up the year 5785, making way to usher in the New Year.
As all audits go — if you dig down deep enough you’ll find whatever you want. Oy vey. All the things that didn’t happen. All the broken dreams, the setbacks, the frustrations; not to name the people that disappointed or unsettling world events — the world is spinning out of control.
And yet the truth is quite the opposite. Personal milestones, simchas, financial windfalls, children’s achievements, personal growth and the satisfying results of helping another and the list goes on.
The funny thing is, challenges can all be put under one umbrella. One word can sum it all up. Call it Tzores, call it problems call it whatever you want. One word will suffice.
Yet for good things it’s foolhardy to lump it all under one umbrella because each good thing that happens leads to something enduring, empowering — more good is sure to result of it.
It can be dramatic like a new house, a new job, a new grandchild, or less dramatic yet equally and perhaps more dramatic just recognizing the plethora of blessings and beauty that we’re all graced with. A sunrise, a loving family, a warm and welcoming community, a fully stocked fridge — the gift of children, the list continues to flow.
And as you focus on the list flowing — you’ll notice it’s not the only thing flowing for indeed —the cup runneth over.
Half full or half empty? Neither!
May 5786 bring yet greater recognition of our respective and collective blessings and may we continue to strengthen and bless one another with a Shana Tova Umetuka!!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
P.S. If you’re looking for a place for inspiring and family friendly High Holiday services / experience — consider joining us. Without gloating — I think it’s pretty good . Here.
P.P.S. We all look for G-d’s charity. One way to inspire it is to give extra charity. Please consider Chabad as a recipient — not amount is too large or too small — HIGH HOLIDAY DONATIONS HERE.
Mazal Tov to Miri and Tzvi Dubrawsky on the birth of their daughter Asya. May they have tremendous nachas as the watch her flourish and blossom!!