So, in fact, what do we expect of the world today? Will there be a strong and unbreakable link between the current events and the events that will be taking place in the near future? Is there something now wherein I can actually have some effect in a positive manner on the fate of the world and its inhabitants? Or is it the case of "farfallen"? No use. What will be will be. We will have to remain here in a stasis, unable truly to have any effect upon this troubled world of ours. Is the only thing left for us to do in any kind of positive and penetrating effect is the deepening of the depth of our fears? In our turning to our Creator and pleading in sincere manner, in sincere repentance and thusly to effect change upon the future spreading itself out before our very eyes.
Is this what we have to see? Is this what we must know deep inside the veins and arteries and sinews of our bodies and minds? To truly understand that we are the determiners of our own fate? That our Lord above acts as a recording secretary and mathematician who frequently adds up the summary of all that we have done and spoken? Who then takes on the difficult task to decide whether we have crossed a line of no return or in fact does there remain a single, small, narrow, rocky path back to where we should be, to what we should be, to all that the world should be.
The responsibility of what will be the inevitable non-returnable non-reversible state of the here and now does not reside only upon the shoulders of one or two, or thousands of a particular state of mind in body, biological, physical, and political. It is an onus of duty which devolves upon the world.
It calls for an understanding and acceptance that we now, via our actions and words, in our understanding of the power of the individual and the masses, internalize the ability and the duty to never give up, and move forth, both individually and en-masse, to never give up. This we learn from Avraham Avinu who challenges the Lord on His decision to destroy sinful cities. Perhaps, Abraham thought, there are enough of the few to overcome the faults of the many and hence inject a new possibility of new and better futures for all. Of all.
Whether we are successful or not is not the point. The point is never to throw our hands up in the air and say there was no other way. There was no other fate. We are to be doomed to wither away on the poisons we have sowed. There remains that possibility of the Lord who not only records, but who also understands and forgives and allows for yet another chance to do the right thing. To live in the right as we are meant to do. In fact, just as a few good deeds can redeem an individual, so too can the few righteous people among evil doers. It need not necessarily mean the redemption of all, but even the few can reseed and revive the barren earth. Revive the greenery that must be part of every person's life.
This wondering and questioning, the seeking of the answer to what now, devolves not only upon the leaders of nations but also upon the individuals of those nations. If there is enough resistance to evil plans, to selfish policies, to harmful mindsets, possibilities of redemption can arise. But there is also the question, v'achshav, which lingers in the air. When something happens in the life of an individual, causing one to stop, to take the time to think and understand the meaning of what has happened, we must hear the knocking on the door and react and behave accordingly.
Sometimes we human beings lose our way. We realize we are now offroad. Groping in the dark. Tripping on the pebbles and rocks. Falling into holes of the roadway. We're wondering in that darkness in those frightening moments whether we have indeed reached the point of too little, too late? We send up our pleading words to the heavens above and beg for forgiveness. We make promises to do better, to be better, but even within those moments we also know the frailty of humans and try though we might, fight as hard as we can, we will inevitably fail and fall down once again in the darkness. But we also hang our hopes that enough of us, our individual self, will be better. Will learn from the moments of fright, at least enough to rethink, reevaluate and rebuild in the "what now”.
The past few days, even a few weeks, have been a tad frightening for me and for family with me. It was a painful time for me, both physically and emotionally. Nor is it over yet, as lasting effects will remain for some time. However, at one point, thinking the worst was happening, I had to think long and hard about the "and what now" in my life. There have been dismaying changes, backwards steps taken, but I am determined to come back, if not better, than at least approaching it and always on the way forwards.
I am extremely grateful for the care and concern and aid I have been given and the chance to at least improve myself.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow.
We are always facing challenges. The question is, will we be able to meet the challenges, better ourselves, and better the world around us. To create not only a good v'achshav, but also a hopeful positive Atid - future in as best a manner as we can.
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