Motivation Monday
Life Vest Inside has had the very good fortune of finding writers willing to share their Kindness Stories/Articles with us. One of our special recurring writers is David Jablinowitz, Op-Ed Editor at Jerusalem Post, who is famous for his “bus stories.”
History Will Judge Us
You might think that a nearly empty bus would not be the place to find a story, but actually I have found a couple of times that the opposite is true. Perhaps it makes for an even more conducive atmosphere to chat.
During the late morning, there were just a few of us on the bus. We were on Highway 1 from Jerusalem toward Tel Aviv. A modestly-sized sign at an interchange along the way reads: “History will judge us.”
It was an interesting sign. There was no message beyond that. On which side of the divide are the people who posted this message? There was no one there; just the sign that was hanging there.
One of the few other passengers on the bus was also pondering its message. I didn’t ask him, but he wanted to tell me what he thought.
This was his message: “I don’t belong to any organized religious framework, but I believe in God and I feel a belonging to our history. You know what? The people who did this sign are correct; history will judge us, God will judge us. God is neither Right nor Left. He will not judge us over whether we are Right or Left, pro-government or against the government, for or against the judicial overhaul. He will judge us over whether we are genuine.”
I ask him to explain. He replies: “I don’t think it needs any explanation. You know what I mean.”
Then he says: “In exactly two weeks, we mark the Ninth of Av. I don’t care whether you fast; I care if you are genuine. How will history remember 5783? Are we Korach and his people or are we Shammai and Hillel?”
Before I conclude this post, I just want to say that I am no longer amazed, but I was when I first started living in Israel: firstly, everyone has an opinion; and secondly, so many people over the years have said to me that they don’t consider themselves especially religious, but then they proceed to express such an understanding of our history and our place in history.
This gentleman had it right: as long as we understand our place in history and don’t forget that God is watching and wants us to be honest with Him and ourselves, we will be fine.
A woman in a police uniform was also on the bus and heard the conversation. “We will be fine,” she concurred, “but I pray each morning: please God, make sure no one gets killed.”
Amen.
~ David Jablinowitz
Finding yourself inspired to share your kindness story/article? Please submit it HERE – you can share via text, audio or video. Our editor will look it over! You may see your writing in a future issue of The Daily Kind!
Kindness Quote
“The whole secret of the study of nature lies in learning how to use one’s eyes.”
George Sand
Act of Kindness
Adopt an attitude of gratitude for a day! Before biting into a juicy piece of fruit, take a moment. Look at the amazing creation you’re holding in your hand.
Positive Affirmation
I embrace the interconnectedness of all beings with love and compassion.
