Count the Omer: Days 18, 19 & 20

Day 17 | Day 21

Shabbat and weekend life have delayed my blogging by a few days, so let's play catch up. This week we have talked about tiferet as balance, beauty, and harmony, but there is another translation: compassion.

Day 18: Netzach sheb'Tiferet, Endurance within Compassion
Everyone needs some sympathy sometimes. A little compassion can go a long way in getting someone through a tough time.

Day 19: Hod sheb'Tiferet, Gratitude within Compassion
We talk a lot about putting ourselves in someone else's shoes, but do we ever think about how someone may have put themselves in our shoes? Maybe you snapped at a friend when you were having a bad day and they let it slide. Maybe you said something insensitive without realizing it and the person rolled with it rather than getting offended. Take the time to thank someone for their understanding today.

Day 20: Yesod sheb'Tiferet, Connection within Compassion
Today would have been my grandparents' 57th anniversary. It is also seven months since my grandmother died. My grandpa spent their first anniversary since her death alone watching golf. I almost didn't call him today out of fear that I would bring up painful memories for him on this hard day, but it turned out that he needed someone to talk to. Compassion is an important part of any relationship, but it only means something if you reach out and express it. Is there someone you are close to who needs your compassion today?