It may be strangely fitting that the first Parshah of the Book of Exodus (Shmot) is coming on the last Shabbat of the calendar year this time.

Thinking about it, I was struck by this phrase:

As people, we cry out to Gd constantly, even the non-believers among us addressing their complaints to the Universe, “something out there” and the like.

How many times do we hope that Gd will hear our groaning, coming down to see, listen to and help us? How many times then, we fail to hear the “thin still voice”, how many times we make stupid mistakes giving in to our impulses, how many times we plain do not understand what is important and do not see the big picture behind tiny specks of dust?

My heart is pained today thinking that I am guilty of this – not noticing the big picture. So, here’s my new calendar year’s resolution (besides keeping myself in shape, of course):

I will try to breathe for a few long minutes, and maybe even hours if necessary every time I feel that a speck of dust is big. I will try to see the big picture behind and I will try to believe and trust. Not an easy thing for me, but I will at least try.

Here’s to the new beginnings!