Early Cheshbon Nefesh

 

I know we're supposed to do this at the end of the day, but I thought I'd start early - I may only post this near midnight!

    So, Baruch HaShem, I had a good nights' sleep last night. Upon waking, as usual, I did netilat yadayim, said the relevant blessings for the morning, had a cup of coffee and came to the trusty laptop to teach my two Tuesday morning Hebrew classes. 

    Thereafter, I took a walk, gave some Tsedeqa, and ate a big bowl of Russian Potato Salad (the recipe for which was given to me by a Portuguese friend! When I asked her why it was called Russian, she said it was all mixed up, just like the Russians!) It has all sorts of interesting things in it and it is truly delicious!

    Then it was time for Torah study with two friends - we are in chapter 82 of Bereshiyt Rabbah. It has been - and continues to be - a fascinating journey of discovery and understanding, even though some of the stuff goes over our heads! As our beloved Rabbi Bernstein of blessed memory used to always tell us: "Take what you can and leave the rest."

    In the half an hour before Mincha prayers I quickly went to plant some Borage seeds in two of my beds in the garden. I love those tiny blue flowers.

    After Mincha I did some admin work and submitted the invoice for payment. I had a nice, varied day. I was outside in the garden, working on feeding myself, I went for a walk and got some exercise, I gave to others, I prayed, I studied Torah and I also managed to earn a bit of money in the middle of all that. I am content.

    I am teaching an Afrikaans class in 15 minutes to a delightful Grade 6 student. After that I'll think of dinner, chat to my grandson and pray the bedtime prayer with him (later, of course) and later still Zoom with a friend to watch a teaching video together.

    I also have a 3-hour teaching to catch up on after that. So it's going to be (another) late night. Baruch HaShem.

    I am so very grateful to the LORD for arranging for me to have this kind of life, where I am available for Him to use in the building of His Kingdom on earth - however small the tasks may be.

    May the rest of your day and evening be blessed from on High.

Erev tov!