The ninth day of the omer - the second day of the second week - is Gevurah in Gevurah. Gevurah is strength, but a special kind of strength, "Who is gibor - strong? One who restrains one's urge." (Prov. 16:23). Restraint in restraint - double restraint
Soaring high in the air, the hawk expends relatively little energy. Its outstretched wings catch the breezes and it rides the updrafts, spiraling higher and higher. Far above the ground, the hawk's keen eyes watch for movement among the grasses, and then the winged predator suddenly zooms earthward, talons outstretched, to powerfully grab its sustenance.
Like the hawk, we, too, are powerful. We have more strength than we think we do, until such moments when we need it. Restraint in Restraint - what does it take to hold onto ourselves, to find that deep strength and power, instead of collapsing in anger or despair? What does it take for us to soar on the updrafts, to allow G!d to hold us through tough times?
We have Restraint within Restraint, the Divine Presence is with us, and we can do it.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitzvotav, vitzivanu, al sefirat ha'omer.
Blessed are you Adonai our G!d, ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us regarding the counting of the omer.
Today is nine days which are one week and two days of the Omer.
Thanks, Katy, this reminder to allow G!d to hold us is especially helpful to me at this time. And I love hawks!! Do you know Denise Levertov's The Avowal? http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-avowal/
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