Do you have a window into the future?

Note: I wrote this article in 2007.  I chanced upon it this week while looking for an old document and thought that it’s message was as relevant as ever.  So here it is.

 

What will the world look like in six years?

 

Do you have a window into the future?

 

Recently I celebrated my 34^th birthday. To celebrate I came home early from work and went to the park with Dena and the kids.  We had dinner and cupcakes.  Later that night some friends came over for some L’chaim and introspection.  The other night I was thinking what my 40^th birthday would look like.  What would be going on around me?  Who would be celebrating with me?  Where would the party be?

 

And then is struck me how many of the decisions I will make now, today, tomorrow will impact what the world will be like at my 40^th.  How significant my behaviors towards my wife and children will play in that party.  How a word said to a stranger at a park may be the key to starting a friendship that might be a very valuable one at my 40^th.  And so went the thoughts.

 

And then another thought struck me.  How many of the things I fret and worry about, how many of the issues that I stress about today will absolutely and totally NOT play a role or any significant at my 40^th or any other time beyond a couple of days if even that.

 

And if that is the case, then why do I spend that much time worrying, and fretting, and stressing?  Why do we get so stuck in the moment when so much of the moment is just that a passing moment and will have no real relevance on tomorrow.

 

And I realized that life is fragile and every moment precious!

 

While Abraham and Isaac are off sacrificing to G-d (the binding of Isaac) Satan (the Jewish Satan – a conversation for another time) tells Sara, Abrahams wife and Isaacs mother that Abraham had gone off to offer him to G-d.  Her motherly heart is filled with trepidation and fear for what was about to occur.  Shortly after Satan returns to tell her that Abraham had passed the test and Isaac would live.  The shock and emotional roller coaster was too much for her and she passed on.  The Torah portion begins with the passing of Sara.

 

And then today two separate people shared with me about their aging parents and their dementia.  And then spending time today planning for an unveiling.  Oy! Life is short, life is precious, let’s not waste emotional energy on things that won’t make a difference on your 40^th or any other time.  Let’s spend energy loving, living and making the world a more G-dly and goodly place.

 

With blessing.

 

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman