My First Prayer
I grew up in a Jewish household that was not religious in the least. Our Judaism involved cheering for the Israeli contestant in the Miss Universe contest and screwing in electric light bulbs in a Hanukkah menorah. We didn’t believe in religion and no one ever prayed, or anything like that.
When I was 18, I went on a solo camping trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was March, so the weather was still quite cold. Climbing near Tuckerman’s Ravine, I wanted to cross a small, frozen stream. I knew it was dangerous but I was tired and wanted an easier path. Crossing the stream, I slid on the ice and quickly accelerated towards a steep cliff. If I went over the cliff I would certainly die. As I slid, out of my mouth came the cry, “Please, God, no.” With my legs dangling over the edge, I caught hold of a small tree. It was a long way down. I was able to pull myself up and out of harm’s way.
What was truly amazing about the experience was that in that moment of terror, somehow, my mind knew where to turn. I often remember that prayer, and today I regularly say something like, “Please, God, help me avoid doing dumb stuff.”
Gratitude
I have learned through experience that the best way to lose something or someone is to not care about them. I have also learned that the best way to keep something or someone is to value them. Some days, I simply walk around and say, “Thank you, Divine Mother, thank you so much.”
Whining & Complaining
Once I had a vision of Jesus. I ran up to him and not surprisingly, knowing human nature, the first thing I did was to complain. I told him all about how hard it is in the world and how difficult people can be. He gave me a look that expressed that he, of all people, understands how difficult others can be. Since that look, I have stopped whining so much.
