The change of seasons never ceases to amaze me. In Israel, summer is the dominant season. In the long months of sweltering heat, you are in survival mode just trying to keep cool. Then seemingly all of a sudden, in October you notice the air conditioner is no longer ON all the time. Days feel shorter. The temperature is pleasant and a gentle breeze is blowing on your face.
Pay Attention to the Changing Seasons
Trees releasing their leaves are one of the signs of the season changing. Leaves go from green to yellow, orange and red before they finally give up and fall to the ground. This phenomenon of release from the tree is what we call in Israel shalechet.
Change in general has its ups and downs. There are areas we need to let go of and areas we need to take hold of. The hold vs. release can be a bittersweet experience. Through this process it can feel as if so much is being taken from us. Yet I am reminded of Yeshua’s words at the home of Miriam (Mary) and Martha in Luke 10: 41-42.
“But answering her, the Lord said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and bothered about many things; but only one thing is necessary. For Miriam has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Just like Miriam, in this season of change, you and I are also called to choose the part which is good, that will remain with us. We must embrace this in order to live in an emotionally healthy manner. When we sit at the feet of the True Source, we are equipped to deal with anything that life may throw at us. Please, do yourself a favor, make sure you are daily connecting with Him, and that your view of life comes through His eyes!
Inspired by Serving
Last month, in celebration of the biblical Fall Feasts, we held a citywide food distribution. We prepared 800 food baskets for needy families, in close partnership with the municipal welfare department. Local volunteers from our congregation and the wider community came to help pack the food. In order to minimize crowds (due to the Covid restrictions), we also needed help delivering the bags to people’s homes.
One of the groups that offered their assistance was a “club” of disabled IDF veterans. Of all the volunteers, they struck me as one of the most joyful and available groups of people I have ever encountered! Even though they all suffered loss and were disabled in the army, somehow they each took hold of serving others as a life goal, kind of like a tree that dropped its leaves but then grew even more beautiful ones in their place.
I pray that, just like those who eagerly responded to pack and deliver food bags, we may all be ready to serve “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
As one practical avenue for serving, we warmly invite you to join us, and many wonderful, warm-hearted people in Israel and around the world, in reaching out to these Israelis in need. tikkun.tv/tents-of-mercy-donate-provision
