#BlogElul 5781: Want

 

I intended to #BlogElul, I anticipated I would, and, most of all, I want to do it.

Somehow, though, it took me six days into the month to get the ball rolling.

And that’s okay.

Recently, to help me with my apartment move, I worked with a personal organizer, from whom I learned this adage: Done is better than perfect.

I’ve heard a similar sentiment many times before as this maxim, most commonly attributed to Voltaire: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

No matter who said it or the exact wording, it’s an idea I want to carry with me into the new year.

Sure, perfect is great—especially for this fusspot who’s hardest on herself—but in 5782, I want to try to ease up, even just a little, and keep in mind that sometimes, done is good enough.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima , this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precede the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serve as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.

#BlogElul 1: Letter to Wisconsin

Dear Wisconsin,

A few years ago I wrote about your almost-neighbor Indiana, and now it’s your turn.  You’ve been popping up all over the place in recent weeks and I’ve taken notice.

Sadly, the first time was when Wade Michael Page killed six Sikhs and wounded four others in Oak Creek at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin just before morning worship two weeks ago.   I pray that that those who lost loved ones and those who were injured are RETURNING to wholeness and strength.  It is not an easy road…may their faith and their families sustain them.

Then, just last week, you brought us Janesville’s native son Paul Ryan.  May he enjoy his run for VP, and then RETURN swiftly to his Congressional seat representing the people in the Badger State’s First District.

The folks I’ve been watching most closely, though, have been coming to Milwaukee on a regular basis for month-long stays at your Children’s Hospital since June.  Yesterday they RETURNED home to Chicago, but they’ll be back in a few weeks.  Please take good care of all of them, especially Superman Sam, so he can RETURN to his normal life with his sibs and his ‘rents in Chicago and stay there…except for treks across the border to camp or to visit his Bubbe and Zayde.

As for me, I’m not sure that there’s any reason in the foreseeable future that I’d take a trip to see you.  However, if that should come to pass, I think I’d probably don one of those silly hats your people all seem to wear out there…before RETURNING to New York City, of course!

Take care, Wisconsin.  Perhaps we’ll meet someday.

~ JanetheWriter.

P.S.  If you’re wondering about #BlogElul, it’s the brainchild of one of your daughters…check it out.