The Always Light

What do we place upon our hearts
When our hearts are heavy,
Broken,
Raging,
Worn,
Anguished,
In despair?

What do we place upon our hearts
When so much feels torn
And useless?

We place upon our hearts
Names of those we love,
Names of those we serve,
Names of those whose lives
Depend upon our presence.

We place upon our hearts
Names of those who have loved us,
Names of those whose lives gave shape to ours,
Names of those whose heartache, joys, pain and gladness we carry.

We place upon our hearts
Qualities we yearn to live by,
Qualities to uphold,
To bring forth,

Qualities to guide and heal us all.
I place upon my heart
Truth and Faith,
Trust and Strength,
Life and Grace,
Love and Generosity,
Spirit and Transformation,
The Light of the Divine Presence

I place upon my heart
The intention to return,
Even though the heart is broken,
Even though the heart rages in anger and despair

I place upon my heart the intention
To seek the ner tamid,
The always light
Hidden deep within the brokenness
And waiting always
For any small act of love or faith.

--Rabbi Yael Levy