We have only two weeks of August remaining. The heaven of summer is moving on and the serious part of life is revving up. Kids and teachers go back to school, vacations are over, and California is turning brown or gold – depending on how you see it.
We are almost into Shabbat and I encourage you to find peace and contentment. When my kids were little and we were driving a bit longer than they could endure I invented the “Who Loves You?” game. I would begin with “who loves you?” and they would reply. After the obvious answers were given I began to add other names to their list. So each time we played they began to add more and more people to the answers. I suggest you pause and ask yourself this question. I’m not talking about mad, passionate, romantic love. I’m talking about the little jolts of love that fly between people. Who is cheered by your greeting, who gives you a warm jolt when they wave to you? On my list I am including my friend who answers the phone, “hello my dear”, my rabbi who often takes me aside for a quick chat, my hairdresser who lights up when I come in, my son’s dog who tears through the house to find me, anyone at my Shabbos table. All my best friends!
Include the people who simply LIKE you! Some other suggestions:
The lady who stopped to joke with me in Costco and said, “My name is Vicky. When you talk about our conversation you can use my name.”
My across-the-street neighbor who loves my homemade challah.
Mehdi, owner of Café Z, who stops to chat whenever I’m there.
The woman I helped find a chair when her leg cramped up.
Remembering that you are loved is central to a feeling of happiness and security. I have been blessed to share intimate conversations with many of you and I hold you in my heart. So add me to the list of people who love/like you.
Have a wonderful Shabbat and a peaceful weekend. Your next best friend may be out there right now!