Go on…Ask

You want to know how your parent feels about hitting that big birthday number, but you resist asking.

You don't want to bring them down. Truth is, asking isn’t going to change how they’re feeling about their birthday.

And there's a real possibility they'll surprise you. 

"Turning 80 means I have lived the majority of my life." 

Uh-oh, where's this going?

Rabbi Steven Chester, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Sinai in Oakland, keeps it real.
At this juncture, he sees the range of his life experiences from extraordinary to really tough. 

So with all the highs and lows and knowing that the majority of his life is behind him, what does he feel, right now, above all else? 

Gratitude.

And how does he view what's ahead:

"I hope to make every day a milestone filled with gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness for the beauty of life."

This comes from a rabbi, one who has talked this talk and walked this walk. For the rest of us, starting this practice now is a great investment.

Thank you for this beautiful perspective, Rebbe!