We're the midst of a ferocious hurricane season. We've witnessed thousands people, just like you and me, left homeless and displaced. Millions of others, like my brother's family in South Palm Beach, Florida are evacuating, and waiting in bated breath for the storm to pass, praying that their roof be spared. It is a time when we don't take things for granted. A brief moment to pause and reflect should suffice for us to be overcome with a sense of gratitude for all the blessings that have been granted to us by G-d.
But do we need Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Jose to move us? Or is there an easier method to cultivate a sense of gratitude throughout our life?
In this week's Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we are introduced to a beautiful Mitzvah called 'Bikurim', in which every farmer (almost every family in Israel at the time), would make their way up to the Temple in Jerusalem annually with a decorated basket of the choicest fruit of the harvest, gifting it to the Cohen (priest), and declaring their gratitude to G-d for the gift of a home, a land and it's bounty.
But here's the key to fulfilling this Mitzvah and allowing the attitude of gratitude to sink in: Don't just take any fruit to express your appreciation, "V'lakachta Mereishit" - take from the first fruit.
Because, what you choose to do first, is an indication of your true priorities. It also sets the tone and inspires all that follows.
So dedicate a few minutes each morning to thank G-d for all the blessings in your life. Whether you choose to pray for a minute with the Modeh Ani prayer, or five minutes with the Shema prayer - do it first thing in the morning, before reaching for your phone, or reading the paper.
This will ensure that we don't take life for granted, but as granted!