Shiny Penny Syndrome

The nature of the human is that the things we can’t have, things that are inaccessible, difficult to achieve or expensive are the those we want most.

 

When things are easily accessible or common we often times disregard their value.

 

***

 

During the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, the Holy Baal Shem Tov says that G-d is accessible to each and every one. He uses an analogy of a king who comes out of the palace and goes out to the field where the common man is and he smiles to them and greets every one with a smiling face.

 

So it begs the question, why wouldn’t everyone come running? We should be completely wrapped up in the holiness of G-d’s accessible presence!

 

The answer is that we are very human, and it’s not so glamorous to greet the king in the field. An invitation to the palace, that’s an entirely different thing! But in the field, not so exciting.

 

The reality is that while the king is in the field we can talk freely without concern for the palace protocol. The king is not wearing the royal robes and sitting in the throne where different analytics are employed to determine whether the requests will be fulfilled.

 

***

 

As we prepare for the New Year, we have an opportunity to connect in a fashion that we won’t be able to connect even on the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

 

All we need to do is STOP! Take a break from our daily routine. For an afternoon, a day, a few days, whatever you are prepared to give, but STOP and focus on YOU. Your relationship with G-d, your purpose on this earth, and then put in your requests for the new year.

 

The King is so close and waiting with a smile for you. What are you waiting for?