In The Middle Of It All

As I’m sitting here in my front yard, the sun is shining, my kids are riding their bikes and I’m just breathing it all in. It's been a busy summer. But also a blessed one.

Just last week, I wrapped up work on Wednesday. And like clockwork, I found myself working. I didn’t think twice. I don’t do well with stillness, it makes me overthink everything. So when someone needs help, I jump in. It’s just who I am. Helping others reminds me that I can make a difference, even in small ways. But today I slowed down. I went to the gym, got our energy out, and now I’m home, sitting in the stillness, and thinking, Wow! What a summer it’s already been.
 We’ve explored new parks, we’ve gone on hikes that pushed our limits, we’ve been swimming, catching up with friends, laughing, making memories that we’ll hold onto. I feel nothing but thankful.Thankful that I get to be here. That I get to be their mom. That I get to laugh with them. That I get to be safe, because not everyone gets that right now.

My heart and mind are in two places, here and in Israel. My family and friends are there, living through war. Sirens. Shelters. No camps. No work. 

Every day for the past few weeks, I’ve been talking to my sister-in-law. Just a short while ago, we were counting the days of their arrival, setting up their house, getting the kids ready for school. Now? We're counting different kinds of days. The days until her husband can return safely. The days until they can fly back. The days until their container arrives, and yet we hold on. To each other, to hope, to Emunah.

I remind myself constantly this chapter isn’t the whole story.
 It will make sense eventually. 

In the meantime Keep your Emunah strong. Don’t lose your sight.
Continue praying and pushing your limits. Be the example!

Emunah