Mar 2
I am a little olive. They squeeze me for my oil. They use my oil to make light.
Imagine yourself as a little olive, living a peaceful life on the olive tree. You receive ample sunshine, sufficient rain, and all other ingredients necessary for you to grow. Your every need is taken care of. You don't have a worry in the world.
All of a sudden you are plucked from the tree and squeezed. You are squeezed so hard that you think the end is nigh. No longer can you bask in the warm desert sun. No longer can you soak in the raindrops' nutrients. Your life has come to an abrupt end. Or so you think.
Once squeezed you now take the form of olive oil. You are poured into a Chanukah candle and used to bring light into the world. Your status has now changed, drastically. You have gone from being a receiver, to being a giver. You have left the world of taking for the world of giving. You no longer take nutrients, but rather give light. You realize that this is the beginning.
Shira, my dear wife, went into labor at 2 o'clock this morning. After a full day of 'arduous squeezing' at 19:20 we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. A beautiful soul with which to bring light to the world.
When stretched to your limit, realize, that from there may come the greatest light.
I would like to extend a hearty thanks for all of the warm Mazel Tov wishes! May we only share simchas.
