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Contemplating life's meaning from under the covers
http://www.jewishworldreview.com --
THE RECENT POWER OUTAGES across our fair city left many of us paralyzed --
without heat, electricity, or a television to watch the NFC championship
game and the Golden Globe Awards. As the rest of America was moving
forward, making advancements in whatever it is that they do on lazy Sunday
afternoons (curing cancer, eating Chinese food, reading The New York
Times), we were left in the proverbial dark.
Yet, nothing much was lost.
As I write this (literally hand-write, as opposed to "word-process"),
bundled up in layers of clothing, basking in the glow of nearby candles, I
cannot help but take note of the clarity of thought which prevails during a
situation like this.
We remember a time when folks got together and talked, spent quality time
together - and that was considered entertainment. This time - devoid of the
normal chaos which suffocates our daily lives -- gave a glimpse of simpler
times, a taste of Americana in the raw. Norman Rockwell would be proud.
Encapsulated in a standstill moment, we are given an opportunity to
contemplate the things that matter most in our lives -- relationships,
spirituality, the core essence of our existence.
Bereft of the everyday chaos which masks meaning in our daily lives, we are
given a glimpse of a simpler time, a purer time, and in that glimpse, a
reminder of the eternal truths: What are my life goals? Am I fulfilling my
mission in life? Am I making G-d proud?
Sandwiched in this timeless moment between excess and frivolity, we have
the opportunity to take care of some spiritual housekeeping. Are my
priorities in order? Do I race to the finish line, unaware of who I'm
trampling on along the way? Do I use anger as a weapon in my interpersonal
arsenal? Do I use other's vulnerabilities to my advantage?
Most importantly, 120 years from now, when I knock on the gates of heaven,
will I be proud of my actions or will I stand in fear, shuddering in the
knowledge of my misdeeds?
Alas, all of this pontificating must eventually come to an end. As the
power came back on, our city awakened from its innocent slumber. Phones
started ringing again, e-mail was being checked, and televisions were
turned on. We were up and running in no time.
Yet, we can still take with us the lessons learned from this moment, from
our little cocoon in time, our spiritual journey to the philosophic center
of the
Jewish World Review Feb. 3, 2000 / 30 Shevat, 5760
The Day Atlanta Stood Still
By Benyamin Cohen
Living for a day or two without the technological excesses of the 21st
century, we are treated to a reminder of life lived on a more human scale.
With the television off and connections to the Internet lost, families
gather around the fireplace, and friends bond over the lost pleasures of a
board game.
Like shepherds tending to their flock with only thinking to do, we are
given a moment to ruminate about our place on this earth.
When I go to sleep at night, can I safely say to myself, "Ah, I'm proud of
what I accomplished today and I look forward to tomorrow, yet another day
closer to fulfilling my goals."?
JWR contributor Benyamin Cohen is a staff writer for the Atlanta Jewish Times and editor of Torah from Dixie. Send your comment by clicking here.
