Character

Every Shabbat I create a word search for Lisa and I to work while listening to the Torah teaching. I don't know about you, but I definitely listen better if my hands are busy with a mindless task - like a word search.

Anyway, last week I created this one entitled Character of a Jedi. I have been meditating upon these characteristics since - traits that I want to embody, embrace as my own. So, how does one do that? Can you simply 'be' these wonderful adjectives by just wanting to? How does one build character?

I'm afraid that the only way to do this is by prayer, meditation and practice. Choosing to take the high road when it is difficult goes a long way in personifying these traits. I am striving...ever striving.

Some of my favorites and most coveted include courageous, giving, helpful, and honest. And how noble to be long-suffering, loyal, self-sacrificing and valiant. Oh to be inspirational, knowledgeable and persevering, especially in the toughest of circumstances.

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.