Reaching Out

So often when we are facing great difficulties, the last thing on our minds is to reach out for assistance. Perhaps we think no one could (or would) possibly help us, we are down so low. There is a story about Rabbi Akiva in the Talmud that states that when one of his students became ill, the Rabbi went to his house and saw to it that the floor was swept and sprinkled with water. The man recovered and said "My master, you have restored me to life." Rabbi Akiva then went out and taught that a person who does not visit a sick person is like a person who sheds blood. In Jewish tradition, we practice "bikkur cholim" which is being with those who are ill so that they need not be alone. We do not recover well in isolation; instead, we need regular social interaction to bring us up out of the depths of our pain and suffering. When we involve ourselves with others, both in the receiving and giving aspects, we engage more fully in life, and help ourselves recover from the pain we are in.
Please reach out to someone in need, even if you are in need yourself. You never know how mightily your prayers for healing will be answered when you extend yourself beyond your own boundaries. Open your mind and heart to a miracle.
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