15 - For Beginnings

What do you make of Y2K? I can’t really figure out what to think, other than to acknowledge it. I’m interested in viewing the turn of the century more than the change of 1999 to 2000. Maybe I can only grasp the span of one hundred years. 1000 years is beyond me. As Jews, it isn’t our big date. But we are such a part of society here in the United States and in the world that I suppose we should pay attention. We can also view it as a special moment in time, just one more opportunity to reflect and to praise the Eternal.

Fifteen

For Beginnings

Soar, O Eternal. Catch the current
Of praise that rises toward You,
Spiralling upward to honor Your Name,
A fine, scented breeze.

At this morning of the year,
We praise You.

We praise You as we stretch limbs,
Easing night stiffness from our bodies,
Rubbing away sleep and strain,
As we welcome this dawn.

Climb, O Eternal, on these songs
Of Your people,
Ascending, as the lark ascends,
Pouring forth melodies.

At this morning of the day,
We praise You.

Hover, O Eternal, in our hearts.
Sustain us as we move through this day.
Remember us as we sing Your praise.