I thank you, God, for all these things:

For my baby; my brilliant, beautiful baby
from whom Your light emanates.
Thank you for Your gentle ruach that
created her miraculous entry into my world.

For my bashert, who cannot – yet – allow in
many wonders You have placed in her path.
Please help guide her steps so she can
feel Your radiance in her world.

For my family, who have been a source of
strength for me, even as I have fought them.
Thank you for showing me the way toward
them when I couldn’t find it myself.

For my community, whose genuine kindness
and love is Your holiness personified.
Their great goodness illumines the path
I walk to Your door.

For knowing what I don’t know, and
seeking wisdom to find understanding.
For helping me shift from roaring anger
to its roots in hurt and loss, fear and shame.

For showing me that rage is not to be feared
but experienced as an opportunity to heal.

Modim Anachnu Lach

Once again, I’m participating in #blogElul, which I have followed for a few years. In past years, I’ve found it helpful as I ponder and reflect in the month before the High Holidays – Yamim Noraim. Check out some of the amazing themed posts geared around the work and joy of Elul – of introspection and reflection in the days leading to the High Holy Days (Organized by Ima Bima.) You can read prior years’ #blogElul posts via the Elul tag.