Growth

As I listen to a teaching online this morning, read the Shabbat prayer book, and ponder many things in my heart, the word that comes to my mind is "growth."

I am a living being. I should always be growing and seeking Him. The One who created me desires my life to used for His purposes. That means I need to grow to be more like Him every day.

The prayer I found in Mishkan T'Filah A Reform Siddur on page 261 hits home today:

I NEED STRENGTH, humility, courage, patience.

Strength to control my passions,

humility to assess my own worth,

courage to rise above defeats,

patience to cleanse myself of imperfections.

And wisdom: to learn and live by our sacred teachings.

Let me not be discouraged by my failings.

Let me take heart

from all that is good and noble in my character.

Keep me from falling victim to cynicism.

Teach me sincerity and enthusiasm.

Endow me with perception and courage,

that I may serve others with compassion and love.

The scared teachings are those from the Word of God. Living, active and a double-edged sword to push us forward. Challenge us. Bring us LIFE.

I love how this prayer says, "Teach me sincerity and enthusiasm." We so often forget about being enthusiastic in our growing. We too often get stuck in studies and worries. Those do not lead to enthusiastic growth. The way we draw others to ourselves is through our LIFE - which should be serving with compassion and love.

My biggest struggle is cynicism. It is easy to do, and yet... May the words of my mouth be pleasing to YOU.

Lord, help me GROW towards You. Give me the heart to see You in everything around me. Give me the perception and courage to serve and love with Your compassion.

Love and blessings,

Rose