Ruminations from the Temple

I thanked G-d for you this morning.  Yes, YOU. I thanked Him for your honesty. I thanked Him for your standing by my side through some of the most painful, tragic things. I thanked Him for your presence at some of the most joyous times of my life. I thanked Him for your smile, your laugh and for your looks that speak volumes. I thanked Him for the phone calls, texts and messages that have come from you at the most amazing times. I thanked Him for your wisdom, teaching and understanding that have had way more impact than you could have ever known. I thanked Him for you holding my hand, your loving hugs and for the times that you let me cry on your shoulder. I thanked Him for your care and protection when I couldn't protect myself. I thanked Him for your hospitality, your willingness in friendship and for your fellowship which I needed so desperately. I thanked Him for all the times you wanted to spend time with me regardless of my mood. I thanked Him for the ti...

Even knowing the painful end, I would do it all again. I would just savor every moment more. It was that worth it. Don't be sad for me, dearheart for I'm just being human. Embracing the full range of emotion that comes from experience, from living, from loving... from feeling too deeply. Oh, let me be melancholy, will you? It's alright, really. Listen to music that aches and look for something that is not seen; For no one physically dies from lament at least - or so it might seem. Let the music flow freely, allow tears to match the notes. The instruments are the voice, the rhythm is a heartbeat. Wrap empathetic arms around a sigh and explore the full breadth of love; love gained, love lost, and love given, even still. I wish there was another word for this type of love, one more definitive and clear. The love of others, love that defies explanation. Love that is always good, right, and true. Love is like a coin, oh yes, you may hav...