In the Hands of Heaven

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

One of my daughters lives minutes from the LA fires. She has two small children and she’s pregnant. Her children’s school and her husband’s office are closed. Friends of hers have lost their houses. So far, she is lucky. I am telling you this because I’m thinking about what Jewish tradition tells us about things we can’t control. 

I’m thinking about what Jewish tradition tells us about things we can’t control. 

Our new #10XSTRONGER 10-Day Challenge focuses on this concept on Day 10 with the diber I AM THE LORD: 10X More in Touch. The #10XSTRONGER 10-Day Challenge can be done in just 10 minutes a day, but you can also spend more time and delve more deeply into each day if you like.  Every day of the challenge includes watching a very short video, reading an inspiration, doing a guided task, and journaling about your experience and thoughts. You can record your progress at a link provided, and can connect more closely to community by inviting your friends and family to participate as well.

I hope that this example will help you, as it is helping me, to deal with the uncertainty of this situation and many others that we encounter as well:

VIDEO

INSPIRATION: The first step on the spiritual path is recognizing the things we can’t control. Our tradition teaches, “Everything is in the hands of heaven, except for the awareness of heaven.” Set your intention today to be in touch with what you control and what you don’t.

CHALLENGE: Find an opportunity today to surrender control when feeling anxious or frustrated. Say a prayer, for example Modeh Ani (said when you wake up) or Modim (in the Amidah) that includes your trust in a higher power and acceptance of the things you cannot change. 

JOURNAL: Did today’s challenge help you find a way to surrender control and trust God more? What are some things you can or should control? What is the balance between surrendering control and depending on yourself?

Please join us in the #10XSTRONGER 10-Day Challenge. You will discover practical ways to find meaning in your daily life as you strengthen your Jewish core. Click here to join!