85 - In Iyar: A Song of Healing

I am intrigued by acrostics. I use them as inspiration for the psalms I write that are read during the naming ceremonies that welcome babies into my synagogue’s community. And so, it was especially wonderful to learn that the Hebrew letters of the word "Iyar" form an acrostic of the phrase "I am God, your Physician." What better way to view our efforts to return to health and wholeness than as a partnership with God.

Eighty-Five

In Iyar: Ani Adonai Rofecha
A Song of Healing

After this long night of weakness,
I wake again in the morning of return;
Shaking off the terrors and the dreams,
I open my lips to the Eternal.

You are my Strength and my Hope,
The Author of my healing;
You are my Promise and my Courage
Guiding the steps I take toward healing.

After the winter’s darkness and biting cold,
The hidden awayness of my illness,
The isolation, the fear that settled upon me,
I rise with renewed strength to praise You.

You are the Wonder of new life,
Warming, healing sun upon my head;
You restore my concern for others,
As I relinquish my constant self-inventory.

You come to me as spring comes,
Circling back to heal the ravaged earth;
You rest Your hand of blessing on my shoulder
And I sigh with relief at Your concern.

I look for You, Divine Physician,
Even as I begin again to take up my life;
I look for You, Complete Healer,
As I begin again.