New Beginnings

Jimmy Buffett once said, “I’m not the best singer.  I’m not the best guitarist.  But I’m the best Jimmy Buffett.”

On the High Holidays we reflect on the memories of those we mourn.  We not only dwell on the lessons they offered us but on working to become the best versions of ourselves.  We improve our lives by refining our character.   How can we do better?   

We begin by approaching others. We offer apologies to those we have wronged.  We grant forgiveness to those who have slighted us.

No one is completely righteous.  And no one is wholly evil.  Most of us spend are days hovering around the middle ground, struggling to accumulate more good deeds than bad. 

We say, “I am in such a rush!  I am not letting another car in front of me.”  Other times, we wave another driver on to the busy road.  There are times when we embrace family we have not seen in years.  And then moments when we get angry with loved ones.   There are times when we are short tempered.  And then others when we offer a kind word to a stranger. 

Our days are filled with countless ordinary acts.  Some are generous.  Others, we realize upon reflection, are short sighted and ill advised.  To be human is a gift and a struggle.  We exist in companionship with others.  Sometimes we are kind.  Other times we cannot summon the strength that kindness seems to demand.

Rosh Hashanah is the corrective to this demand.  It does not wipe the slate clean, but it does offer an opportunity to reflect and ask, “How can I do better?  Where have I failed?  How might I realize my God-given potential?  How might I bring an extra measure of happiness and joy, kindness and generosity to this world of ours?” 

Rosh Hashanah offers an opportunity to change. 

Everyone can do better.

These High Holidays celebrate the potential for new beginnings.

Jimmy Buffett again.   “Don't try to explain it, just bow your head/ Breathe in, breathe out, move on.”