. . . and here we are in Sivan-Tammuz!
I first heard this expression used by my father-in-law,
referring to the typical day with absolutely nothing special
anywhere nearby on the calendar. [It might equally apply to
these limbo days before vacation, or even including during
the summer vacation, that s-t-r-e- t-c-h out.]
To fill these `empty' days, most of us can easily draw up
long written or mental lists of the many things we've always
longed to do and were just waiting to find the time. Things
like finally working out the instructions of the new fax
machine, enrolling in a fitness/weight-losing class or even
looking for the matching accessory to that outfit. The list
is endless, yet when the opportunity presents itself, you
realize that you never made that list to begin with, or that,
suddenly, you're just too busy with everyday life to fit in
any of these extras. Daily chores are a bit like the gas
molecules we learned about in physics; they take up as much
space as the container they're in.
What's more, often the frustration of not being able to
accomplish what we think we really should, coupled with that
extra time lying on our hands, gives the mind too much leeway
to brood. This is when those daily trying circumstances,
which are generally camouflaged in the rush of our normal
lives, begin to peep out and dance in front of us, breeding
discontent, intolerance and often putting us into a general
`low.'
Some people manage to fight this "Wednesday in MarCheshvan"
syndrome, maximizing the potential of time and keeping their
minds in an active, happy, alert state by energetically
throwing themselves into one stimulating activity after
another. Kol hakovod.
But for those of us who are not as goal oriented, organized
or capable, simply due to financial, physical or domestic
setbacks -- don't despair. There is so much that every
person can do with the Everyday of his life -- no funds or
resources needed.
Taking on simple small commitments in areas that really count
as accomplishments in the true reckoning of life can make
each ordinary day so special and fulfilled. Shavuos wasn't so
long ago, even Pesach. How many practical resolutions passed
through our minds, yet we were too occupied to carry them
through. Now we have the time to take on those commitments
and, maybe starting with smaller things, they will have more
lasting effects.
So, perhaps go ahead and make that call to join the "Shmiras
Haloshon" hour or do "Hilchos Shmiras Shabbos" tests. Decide
to be that bit-better mother -- just for today you won't lose
your cool throughout the supper- bath-bedtime rigmarole. Just
today you'll greet your husband pleasantly without wearing
him out with the usual tirade of daily frustrations when he
is barely through the door. Or maybe today you'll pop in to
that lonely neighbor, or make a friendly call to someone who
needs it.
The inner happiness and satisfaction will be the first step
on a spiral escalator and that `Wednesday' will be emblazoned
with highlights as a very special day in your calendar
Upstairs.
