Consider these words from Rabbi Eckstein as we take on the challenges ahead for 2017:
“God’s greatest gift to humankind is time, but it is not unlimited. No matter who we are, there are still only 24 hours in a day, 365 days a year, and an average life span that is all too short. Too often, we go through life in a "slumber," not really governing what we do or thinking about why we do it. We go through our daily routines like zombies, devoid of meaning and purpose. We let precious moments slip by and fail to notice the beauty around us. Some people get to the end of their lives and realize that they slept their way through it all; others never awake from their dream-state and believe that they will live forever."
Yet there is always hope – hope in the future when God will redeem His world and His people.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27: 13-14