4/13/20 Monday - Thank God For The Little Things

          Normally, I don't enjoy the Chol HaMoed, the intermediate days of a holiday, Pesach and Sukkot.  Usually, my wife will usually want us to go out on a family outing, to participate in a "family activity", to "explore" another neighborhood in Toronto. I usually want to do nothing, take care of whatever food shopping that we need to do as we head in towards the final days of the Chag. When our children were younger,  I had few allies since they welcomed my wife's idea and request with great enthusiasm. As our children grew older, I had more allies in my desire to do nothing. Our kids greeted their mother's request with an eye roll and a desire to hang out with friends. Well, this year is different.  Our family activity was to watch a movie. The other family activity was encouraging our teenagers to get some fresh air.  The other family activity has been to watch our children stand 6 feet apart on our driveway and sidewalk with their friends.  This image has engendered a sense of comfort.  As my wife and I finished a walk and approached our home,  we saw our children outside with lawn chairs set up 6 feet apart hanging out with their friends, We were actually comforted to catch an image of "normal". Our children were with their friends.

          It seems that whatever we do during the course of the day that reminds us of "normal" seems just a bit more important. Daily rituals that our children used to complain about, now are a welcomed respite. As our one daughter poignantly explained, "well it gives us something to do." So as we continue to celebrate Pesach, and prepare for the final days, (and more eating praying and sleeping)  of the holiday, we all have re-discovered the importance of the smallest deed, the smallest action, and the simplest activity. These "small" deeds, actions and activities have become a source of joy and comfort.

Peace,
Rav Yitz

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