In the world to come I shall not be asked, ‘Why were you not Moses?’ I shall be asked, ‘Why were you not Zusya?’
– Rabbi Zusya, 18th century Hasidic rabbi as quoted by The Monks of New Skete in In the Spirit of Happiness
Category Archives: Poems
Accomplishments
toasted half of an everything bagel and served it with butter
toasted oat bread and served it with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar
brewed coffee and drank it
drove to preschool and hardware store, twice
steered kids clear of the electrician
washed and dried laundry
warmed milk
prepared lunch
read books
emptied dishwasher
loaded dishwasher
changed diapers
pushed swings
kissed husband
served broccoli with dinner
cleaned up vomit
disposed of ants
administered two baths
read three stories, gave back rubs, and played chess for bedtime
didn’t complain or sigh or whine or luxuriate in self-pity
published a blog post
practiced thankfulness
Thankful
The littlest one
is fifteen months old
and he throws fits now.
They are classic ones,
head thrown backward,
back arched,
legs kicking
and every effort
is made
to get flat
on the floor.
He scrunches his face and cries.
He pushes out his lower lip.
He huffs and humphs.
He gets his head on the ground.
Now my opportunities to practice
patience, understanding, and compassion
abound. Around the corner of every moment
I can choose love.
