“Thank you so much and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be something nice that would attract people’s attention, and of course, have something to do with the theme, which is Shabbos. Again thank you and have a good night,” says Shifra in a sweet tone.
I do love to help out; I just really wish I would not have homework on top of preparations for concert. Well, it will not be too much longer until that time comes. Concert will be in three weeks and I will probably only have homework for another week. After I eat dinner, I make the flyer as best as I can and then resume studying. With Hashem’s help it will all work out, the principal will like the flyer and I will do well on that Navi quiz.
After a week comprised of learning new things, taking tests, and working on concert, Shabbos finally arrives. I sit down on the couch and daven kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv. My father comes home from shul and my family gathers by the table to enjoy the special meal that my mother prepared. When we finish, I take a seat near the Shabbos candles and watch them dance happily in their shiny silver candelabra. I sit while thoughts about my week and concert fly around in my mind.
I am so thankful to Hashem for giving us Shabbos. We might not realize it during the week because we are so caught up in our everyday lives, but Hashem is the One helping us and guiding us throughout our week. I am so grateful to have Shabbos because it is a day that we are forced to stop what we are doing and disconnect from the world. There are no appointments or ringing phones to stop us from connecting with the people around us. Most importantly, we can connect with Hashem. Just as my alarm clock wakes me up in the morning and it helps me start my day, Shabbos awakens us from our slumber through the week and it detangles us from the web of our busy lives. It helps us focus on what really should be concentrated on the rest of the week. Unlike my alarm clock though which plots to win against me, Shabbos embraces me with warmth and connection. Shabbos awakens us to connect with Hashem and build our relationship with Him.
I look into the flickering flames of the Shabbos candles and I am thankful for the warmth and light that emanates from them and illuminates our home. Shabbos is also the one day a week that the raging war between me and my alarm clock takes a rest. I do not want Shabbos to end. Although when this Shabbos leaves I know it will return next week and I will once again have that extraordinary chance to connect with Hashem, and maybe reinforce myself to fight the never ending war against the alarm clock.