Do you have an area that you can refer to as “My Space”? Not a corner of the World Wide Web where you can post your favorite music and pictures of yourself doing crazy things, but a space in your heart, a space in life. Do you have such a space?
Just like it’s necessary to be on firm ground in order to take a step forward, we must first have “My Space” in order to be able to step out in life.
As children growing up we need an area that gives us the confidence to take on the challenges that we’ll face. And our parents create that space by providing a healthy, nurturing home. Not just a house or a shelter, but a home.
But then, one day, we’re on our own. Now we’re faced with the daunting task of creating such a space in our own lives. So often we create a space defined by our career, and when that changes, we’re lost again. It could be crafted out of many items in our life, but all these are subject to change. We move to new neighborhoods, our children grow up, income changes and health issues are but a fraction of the events that could affect “My Space.”
A truly effective “My Space” has to be timeless, and above change and influence from external factors. There must be a foundation to our lives that doesn’t get affected by the changes around us. Just like the criteria of a literal foundation of a house is not if it is consistent with the style of the houses next door, rather which material is solid and firm and durable, able to withstand changes of climate and firmly support the entire structure.
So too, the Jewish “My Space” must be established on the very solid foundation of Torah and Mitzvot. A foundation which has been put to the test throughout the ages and under all sorts of conditions.
Let’s create “My Space.”