Rabbi Naomi Levy teaches are times when even the Holy One says “Thank you.”
A sage once wrote that whenever we reach out to help someone who is suffering, God speaks words of gratitude to us. God says, “Thank you for saving My life.” What does this mean? Why would God say these words? Isn’t God immortal? How can any person save God’s life? I’ll explain.
When a poor mother lives on the street with her children, she cries out day after day, “Help me God. Save me. Lift me and my children out of hunger and homelessness.” And when no help comes, when she watches people walk by her without glancing her way, she lowers her head to the ground and says to herself, “There is no God. God is dead.”
But when someone draws near and supplies solace and support, she turns her face up to heaven and whispers, “Thank you, God.”
Whenever we rise above indifference and complacency, whenever we refuse to ignore the cries of suffering, whenever we make the choice to help any human being in need, we become God’s partners. And a sacred voice echoes across the world speaking softly, “Bless you, thank you for saving My life.”
As we sit around our Thanksgiving tables, we will realize that life isn’t perfect. Some of us will be struggling with the high price of food. Others will look across the table at an empty chair – a reminder of a loved one who is no longer with us.
Real world Thanksgivings are rarely like fairy tales. The guests may be late. The turkey may be tough. And all too often, there is that one bitter relative, ruining everyone’s good time.
But each of us has the power to make a difference. Whenever we rise above indifference and complacency, whenever we refuse to ignore the cries of suffering, we become God’s partners. And a sacred voice echoes across the world speaking softly, “Thank you.”
For the chance to help, for the chance to be God’s partner, and the chance to create a better world, I give thanks.
Art Grand
Art Grand
One response to “A Thanksgiving Message”
OMG! I love this….. just had this experience….. wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
One response to “A Thanksgiving Message”
OMG! I love this….. just had this experience….. wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!