“What does the Book of Psalms say about living each day?”
(from the book "Software for Soul: Psalms for Everyone - discovering the inner meanings")
Miriam glanced at her book. The corners of its brown leather cover were worn to a tattered beige. Peach pie, coffee, and other evidence of life’s morsels had left their mark on the pages of her Tehillim book – and especially on the pages Miriam read most often. Phrases were underlined. Penciled notes graced its margins with thoughts like so many Calanit flowers blossoming and withering through the years.
She lovingly turned to the page that revealed a psalm that would answer the young woman’s question. She didn’t look at the pages however. For Miriam had long ago memorized these passages – these words of comfort, healing and wisdom that connected her like a strong golden path to the people and places long ago and far away who have recited these very same words.
She began to sing a beautiful melody as she recited the words of Psalm 34:13
"Who is the man who desires life?
Loves days to see good?”
"Mi ha ish hafetz chaim?
Ohev yamim lirot tov"
Miriam paused. With a wisdom that seemed to carry the peacefulness of the melodies of her Book of Psalms, she began to speak.
“What does it mean to ‘love days’?
“In the midst of a challenging occurrence we may remember the day vividly. When we think it may be our last, or when our life is on the brink, that one day becomes all the more precious. What if we were to ‘love’ our days whether they be ‘good’ days or ‘bad’ days or ‘ordinary’ days?
“From God's perspective every day is precious. If we take on that viewpoint and love each day, accept each day as a loving gift from God, give of our best effort from the moment we awaken to the moment we fall asleep - the Psalmist reveals ‘to see good’ will surely result.”
(from "Software for the Soul: Psalms for Everyone - discovering the inner meanings" Click here for the link.)