Random Thoughts:
I am writing this article on January 2, 2012, knowing that you won’t see it until February. I find it very challenging to project what kind of things I can contribute to the Schrier that you will find interesting and worthwhile to read.
So, winter is here. December was a time for me to begin the year end process of finishing annual projects and starting to prepare new ones – like tax preparation, my wedding anniversary, family birthdays and CST events.
It has also occurred to me that February is often linked to romance. This is probably due to the non-Jewish holiday that is celebrated on February 14th, but it might also be that because it is so cold now and has been cold for so long, we hug each other more often than not to find warmth. Please note that I am not saying “No one hugs like Shir Tikvah-“That was last year’s slogan!
In my reverie, I realize that in thinking about the future as well as reviewing last year’s activities, I find that those events that carry the most meaning for me were special because I was passionate about their success.
Sometimes when I stop and look around me, I see people who act like a bunch of lemmings. They wander aimlessly around with no direction, no focus, and no place to go. It saddens me. I strongly believe that a life well lived is one that has passion as part of the makeup.
If you find yourself in a state of indecision, of not knowing what’s next, please take a moment and do self-examination. Look in each of your worlds - personal, economic, physical, social or spiritual. Find those items that light a fire in your belly... Grab hold of your passions and work on them. They will help drive you to success and make you a better person for it.
Of course, it would be oh so wonderful if you found your passion doing things at CST. And maybe you will. But I am not so naive to think that this is so for all of you. But I do hope that you will find something in your life to raise the expectation of who you are.
Congregation Shir Tikvah received a beautiful Thank You letter form Philip Crowe, Robert’s father. I’d like to share some of his remarks with you…
“This is a painfully difficult year for me, as many of you will know. Freda’s very sudden death at the end of August was a grievous shock…(However) I am most grateful for the loving support of so many people in Shir Tikvah and for the gifts in Freda’s memory. If you have an opportunity, please thank them for me. I hope to be with you for Passover next year. Happy Chanukah!”
B’Shalom,
Paul