I am still impressed with how many individual pieces are put together to create an easy meaning in my daily life.

From today’s Psalm: “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”

This one is actually not so surprising. When I arrived in church two years ago, I was looking for help and I was answered. Over the last two years, I have continued to ask and I have continued to be answered in different ways, not always the ways I expected.

“Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7)

We are told that when one door closes, another one opens and to be on the lookout for the opportunity when it does come knocking. So many clichés in one line, but we remember them because they mean something. They give us something to look for; to prepare for.

As part of the meditations for today, I am reminded that there are things that shouldn’t be hurried including opening a door that’s not ready to be opened. If it’s locked, it won’t open easily, and if you force it open, it might slam shut in your face. When that door finally opens, we will know it’s the right time and we are relieved. If we open it too soon, we are not always ready for what lies beyond the threshold.

I’m also reminded today that when I ask for help, the answer doesn’t come immediately. I am impatient. I need immediacy. But waiting does have its advantages.

There is a bit of time to think. There is time to find more questions for when the timing to ask them is right. There is time to pause and prioritize. For the most part, time is on my side. I just have to trust that.

I pray for some things and some people daily. Among my faults that I try to rectify through G-d’s intercession is asking for help for myself especially for patience, courage, and strength. These three things can get me through, and when they can’t, I ask for more and it is often given. Not always right away, but meted out as I need it.

Today, I was given something that could have hurt me, but it left me with hope and imparted the strength to go one more day. It was a small thing, but it meant something.