Counting Up

Making each day count is a valuable lesson which adopting the practice of counting the Omer reinforces. Counting each of the days of the Omer reminds us that all of our days are numbered, and it is our responsibility to make each day count. The deliberate way in which the Torah numbers the days of Sarah’s life, “one hundred years and twenty years and seven years” signifies both the fullness of her days and the significance of each and every day. We count the Omer in a similarly careful and focused manner in order to help us recognize the completeness of these days and of each day (Carol Ochs).

The counting of the Omer began the second day of Passover. Each evening we offer a blessing and declare the number of days all the way until fifty which marks Shavuot, the sacred occasion when we celebrate receiving the gift of Torah at Mt.Sinai.

We are now on day eleven. And I am four days away from surgery. Time has moved in challenging and mysterious ways over the past month and a half, with excruciating waiting periods, shifts in plans, and yet, all the while a constant drumbeat of a truth–that no matter what season of my life, each day can count. Some seasons reveal this truth with full, raw, vibrancy.

I am drawing comfort in this year’s Omer practice as I count up –not only to days ahead, I pray, when I can thrive amidst the battle to survive, but right now, right here, to live with a sense of wholeness even when I physically experience discomfort, pain and so many new realities.

Each day can count when I pause in the morning darkness to say Modah Ani. Thank you, my Rock, for the foundation of spirit which holds my feet steady as I make my way.

Each day can count when I bury my face in my children’s messy hair before school. Thank you, my Rock, for the resiliency of children that reminds me to focus on what matters most.

Each day can count when I soften fear with compassion for myself and others, reaching out my heart to acknowledge my partner’s open hand. Thank you, my Rock, for the healing power of love.

Each day can count when I feel the expansive circles of prayer and generous care. Thank you, my Rock, for the embrace of friendship, family and community.

May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, the practices which bring mind, body and soul into alignment with You, my Rock and Redeemer, remind me that each day can count.