Some Random Thoughts

Spring Break:
I've been out of all of my routines since spring break. Reading has been off, sleep schedule, school routine, everything. The coolest part about working at a school is all of the vacation. I especially like the summer months off, and the two weeks at Christmas. Most don't realize how necessary it is for both teacher and student. I try not to take it for granted. There were several times during break when I just noticed all the cars going by while walking to the park with my kids. I thought of all the places they were going and how many were probably working, going to work, or returning from work. It's nice to get time off.
I think if I had to request vacation days I'd be the type to save them from year to year like a squirrel saving nuts for winter. It's good for me to have forced time off.

Seder:
On Easter Sunday our student ministry at Westwinds gathered for a Jewish Passover ceremony, also called "Seder". I was particularly moved by the Dayenu litany. There is a time where the leader reads a number of statements and the audience responds with "Dayenu", meaning, "It would have been enough". Here are some examples...

If He had brought us out from Egypt, and had not carried out judgments against them — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had carried out judgments against them, and not against their idols— Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had destroyed their idols, and had not smitten their first-born— Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had smitten their first-born, and had not given us their wealth— Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had given us their wealth, and had not split the sea for us — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had split the sea for us, and had not taken us through it on dry land — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had taken us through the sea on dry land, and had not drowned our oppressors in it — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had drowned our oppressors in it, and had not supplied our needs in the desert for forty years — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had supplied our needs in the desert for forty years, and had not fed us the manna — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had fed us the manna, and had not given us the Shabbat— Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had given us the Shabbat, and had not brought us before Mount Sinai— Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had brought us before Mount Sinai, and had not given us the Torah — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had given us the Torah, and had not brought us into the land of Israel — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

If He had brought us into the land of Israel, and not built for us the Holy Temple — Dayenu, it would have sufficed!

All that got me thinking about how I often approach God with an attitude of entitlement, like I deserve something from Him or that He ought to do something for me. The Dayenu was a good reminder that if God stripped me of everything and left me here alone that I would have nothing to complain about. What He has done already would have sufficed.

Masks:
Las week I had our school counselor come in and talk with our seniors about how to respond to those around us whom we know are hurting. She pointed out that one of the key things people do is put on masks. Then she asked, "What is the one part that is never covered when we wear masks?" Our eyes. That got me thinking about how the eyes are a window to the soul. Knowing this brings a sense of vulnerability for all of us. Students can't hide their eyes and I can't hide mine. I think there is a lot to learn from this idea. I am toying with all of the implications of this idea for myself and how I practice presence with others.