Most Sabbath-observant Jews do
something special each week lekavod Shabbos, to give honor to Shabbos. Dressing
in nicer clothing, having fancier food, setting a beautiful table… anything to
show that Shabbos is special and different from the rest of the week. I’m
pretty limited here in the hospital, but I was feeling well enough this week
that I wanted to do something more than just plugging in my little electric “candle”
and eating dinner. So about an hour before candle lighting I started puttering
around my hospital room, throwing out trash and organizing my belongings. I didn’t
have the energy to deal with showering and getting dressed up, but I cleaned up
with a washcloth and changed into a fresh pair of pajamas.
It may not seem like much, but
right now that was a decent amount of exertion for me. As I started panting, I found
myself murmuring between breaths “lekavod Shabbos… lekavod Shabbos…” This
effort is for Shabbos. This oxygen is for Shabbos. I’m trying, Hashem. I may
not be able to do much right now, and I don’t know why You’re making this so
hard, but I’m still here and I’m still doing what I can.
Sometimes life limits us and it
feels like we can’t do enough. But really, it doesn’t necessarily matter how
big or beautiful the outcome is. What matters most is that we keep making the
effort.
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