When our news is fixated on doom, death and misery, I thought I might include a few inspiring thoughts from one of the Rabbis that has touched my life, Abraham Joshua Heschel. I encourage you to read him, soak in him. Soon all the latest bits of news may fade as virtually insignificant compared to the deep well life flowing out from him.

In reference to my post on the Inconvenient Truth, I agree with Ryan’s comment that regardless of the accuracy of global warming reports shouldn’t we all take care of the environment. Amen to that. For me, when science is reduced to data, we are in danger of losing the wonder. And it is the wonder that inspires me to care for this stunning, glorious creation. And now a word from the Rabbi…

Awe is the intuition for the dignity of all things, a realization that things not only are what they are but also stand , however remotely, for something supreme.

Awe is the sense for the transcendence, for the reference everywhere to mystery beyond all things. It enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine…to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple; to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal what we cannot comprehend by analysis, we become aware of in awe.

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In the confinement of our study rooms our knowledge seems to us a pillar of light. But when we stand at the door which opens out to the infinite, we realize that all concepts are but glittering motes that populate a sunbeam.

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We can never sneer at the stars, mock the dawn or scoff at the totality of being. Sublime granduer evokes unhesitating, unflinching awe. Away from the immense, cloistered in our own concepts, we may scorn and revile everything.

But standing between earth and sky, we are silenced by the sight…

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To pray is to regain a sense of mystery that animates all beings, the divine margin in all attainments. Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. It is all we can offer in return for the mystery by which we live. Who is worthy to be present at the constant unfolding of time? Amidst the meditation of mountains, the humility of flowers–wiser that all alphabets–clouds that die constantly for the sake of His glory, we are hating, hunting, hurting. Suddenly we feel ashamed of our clashes and complaints in the face of the tacit glory in nature. It so embarrassing to live! How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our unearned right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.