Although Naomi’s dream is about to come true, it is important to
remember that any change is stressful.
~~~~~Reflective Questions
Have you been in a situation that caused you to think your dream
could never be realized?
What would you do if you knew your dream was going to come true
before you were ready?
Have you had a dream come true before you where ready? What
happened? What did you do?
The Text~~~~~
Naomi set Tía’s breakfast tray down on her bed. Tía picked up her newspaper and
noticed its rumpled pages. “I see you are becoming interested in other things.”
The young woman realized her tía knew she had read the paper before
putting it on her tray and blushed. “I will be leaving soon. I have to learn
something about this land if I am to make my way in it.”
“I suppose.” Tía waved her away. As an afterthought, she added, “In my office
are books that will assist you. Read them if you like.”
“Yes, Tía.” Naomi exited the room, closed her sponsor’s door, smiled, and
whispered to herself, “She will keep her word to me.”
The next morning when Naomi brought in her breakfast tray, Tía smiled at her.
“All the other girls I brought here were content with whatever they learned
with in the casa. However, since you wish to know
more, I will give you some additional information about this land and how to
manage your way in it.”
Setting the tray on the bed, Naomi responded to what she assumed was Tía’s
wordless invitation and sat down on her bedroom chair. Aware that she had done
the unthinkable, she stood immediately.
Tía observed her reaction and chuckled. “You have done all I asked of you and
done it well. However, to become a student you will need to sit and listen. You
may want to write things down so you will have your notes to refer to later
on.”
“Good.” Naomi grinned.
“Why so excited?”
“Because I thought I would leave here as I came.”
The old woman rose from her bed and motioned for Naomi to follow. She entered
her office and sat at her desk. “None of you believes me when I say I will
follow through with what I promised.”
Naomi sat down across from her. “Tía, I came to you with nothing. You sheltered
me. You gave me a way to remain in this country. If that was all you did for
me, it would have been enough.”
“Yes … well …” Tía fought back tears. She opened her desk drawer and picked up
a document. “Now we begin.”
~~~~~Authors' Comment
During the Passover Sedar, Jews sing “Dayenu!” The translation,
“It would have been enough,” holds special meaning for each person because
during this, the greatest of all Jewish celebrations, each Jew is exhorted to
think of themselves as if they, not their ancestors, had been lead from slavery
to Pharaoh by the mighty hand of God.
~~~~~Authors’ Observation
When we approach a situation or an individual as if we are owed
something we miss the blessing. Furthermore, we might
come across as headstrong, uncaring, or worse. Since you may not be a Jew or
find yourself held captive as Naomi was, dayenu takes on a different aspect
reminding you that if you chose to use this simple word with a powerful message
it can remind you that enslavement to something is a choice that can be undone.
Since some of you might think I’m misguided or unaware, below I
have posted the scripture I base my claim upon.
Isaiah 52:3 For this is what the
Lord says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.”
Passover and
Dayenu are all about redemption. Not the redemption found in the world, but the
redemption the Lord offers. So to quote a section from Isaiah 52 “…Free
yourself from the chains on your neck…”
Today dear reader, I wish both the Lords shalom (peace which
transcends all understanding), and his dayenu (which allows you to chose
another path).
Until next time, may you feel free to chose your
blessing,
And chose your life!
l'Chaim!
And chose your life!
l'Chaim!
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