TOPIC: Thinking Out Loud

Rav Hirsch was once asked why he made it a point to see the Swiss Alps. He answered that at the end of a persons life, Hashem will ask, "Did you see My Alps?" and Rav Hirsch wanted to be able to answer yes.

I can officially say I've seen Hashem's Alps; and it is the biggest proof I could have ever had that to the fact that Hashem created and is maintaining this world every second of the day.

Seeing the way each mountain is different from the next; the way each one is carefully crafted by the Master Artist; the way a mountain will end to give way to the sea- there are so many lessons for us to take out of Creation!

We are all different- no two people are alike in every way. And yet, we are all so beautiful. Just like without one mountain, the picture wouldn't be the same; so too, without one person, the world wouldn't be the same.

Just like a mountain ends where a sea begins; even though it's a huge mountain- so powerful, so strong- nevertheless, it is mevater itself and let's the sea be. We all have talents; strengths; we have unbelievable powers and influence and potential- but it doesn't mean we are the be all and end all. We have to learn to cooperate and to compromise, even with others who we might not see as equally powerful as ourselves.

It's crazy that a person is supposed to think at times that the whole world was created for me. Looking around Switzerland and Italy, and being able to really see the world, I can't help but feel humbled by how much Hashem loves me. He created all of this beauty for me; and for you; and for each and every one of us.

If He loves me so much so as to create such scenery, the least I can do is accept His gift with gratitude and appreciation.

The least I can do is give Him what He wants the most- myself. My actions, my words, my thoughts, my clothes, my music, my time.