As one of our Chanukah stories tells us that when the Maccabees gained access again to their temple, which had been defiled beyond recognition by the attackers, they found a tiny amount of undefiled oil. With that tiny bit, they could light the menorah for only one day, and the temple menorah was to be lit every day and stay lit all day. It would take a week to prepare new oil. Worse yet, they had no chance of replenishing the oil supply for eight days, because of how long it took to prepare it properly.
They were faced with a dilemma.... Should they wait to light the menorah while they prepared a new batch of undefiled oil, and only light the menorah when they had enough properly prepared oil to keep it lit as it was supposed to be? Or should they light the menorah right away, with only the tiny bit of oil they had, even though there was only enough for one day?
Well, we know what the story tells us, that they did light the menorah right then, reasoning that it was best to do what was within their ability to do, and to postpone worrying about the next day until it was the next day. As we know, the story tells us that by a miracle, the menorah burned for eight days on only that tiny bit of oil that was only enough for one day. This gave them time to prepare a new batch of oil, and all the while, the menorah burned night and day for 8 nights and days while they prepared a new batch of oil!
This reminds us: when faced with a dilemma, I should always concentrate my efforts on what I can do, and do it! Do not focus on what I don't have or can't do, but look for what I DO have and what I CAN do, and furthermore, leave the results to G!d!!!! Having or not having enough good oil for a week is not my concern..... I have enough oil JUST FOR TODAY, so I light my candle today!
Just for today, what needs to be done and what can I reasonably do? Just for today? Not for tomorrow, or next week, but just for today?
Just for today, for just one day, can I get through the day without judging another person? Without speaking negatively about anyone? Without complaining about how so-and-so doesn't do something the way I think they "should" be doing it? Without gossiping about someone?
Just for today, can I stop being snarky and mean? Just for today, can I reach out with arms that are open and accepting rather than fists ready to do verbal or mental battle and a mind that is closed?
Just for today, can I be patient, kind, loving, understanding, and compassionate towards every person I meet?
Join me today in lighting one candle against the darkness that surrounds us.
Join me today in being the change we want to see in the world; not a world of hatred and fear and being on the offense, but a world of kindness and compassion and reaching out to others in more need than our own.
Join me today in being one candle of kindness, just for today....
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