Christian Reflection and Prayer

Psalm 49:16-17

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them. (NIV)

There is a powerful story told about a member of the
famous wealthy Rothschild family. Someone asked
him, “Exactly how much wealth do you have?” In
response, Lord Rothschild answered, “Let me show
you.” He led the man to a room and showed him
many documents. They were receipts from charities
that he had supported. “These,” said Lord Rothschild,
“are my only true possessions. Only the money that
I have given away will accompany me to the grave.”

In the end, all possessions are meaningless; only our
good deeds will be with us forever. So let us convert
our wealth into charity and use our possessions to do
kindness. Then we will have something of true value
that will be with us forever.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

(excerpts taken from Holy Land Moments)

A poem entitled "One Thread,"-3 describes various aspects
of our lives as threads which we hold at one end in our hand...

One is the thread of mortality. Always there is the lurking fear
that the line will snap. We hold it tenderly. We must not let it
go.

Another thread represents our dreams and vision of getting
more out of life. The poet describes this thread as being
attached to a "high-flying kite" that flutters with the mighty
pull of our shifting hopes and dreams.

A third thread represents our fragile relationships with one
another. We're hardly aware of the moment when the tight
line slackens and there is nothing at all on the other end.

A fourth thread is but a "tangled mess" that won't come right:
mistakes, false starts, lost battles, angry words." (We just
can't seem to keep this line from tangling.)

Finally, there is a strange and mysterious thread. "It is my
steadying hand," the poet says. "When I am lost, I pull it
hard and find my way. When I am saddened, I tighten my
grip and gladness glides along its quivering path. This thread
becomes a channel of newness of life for it is God's hand that
is anchored on the other end."

Humble acts of dedication are what God values most,
even more than dramatic demonstrations of bravery
and heroics. Teachers, public servants, dedicated
parents – they are the true heroes, and we can be
those heroes, too. We don’t need to do anything
extraordinary – just be extraordinarily dedicated
to all we do.