As my 70th birthday approached, Shushan Purim, my children decided to make a weekend getaway birthday celebration just for the adult children (and infants of course), in Jerusalem.
I was immediately against it. I see myself as a low maintenance person. I was really not interested in my married children and spouses making a fuss over me. And worse, they would all have to make the effort to travel to Jerusalem from around the country – and the world. They, especially my daughters, were adamant and kept pushing it along.
Then, a couple of days before, when it was apparent that it was inevitable, something changed in my brain. “What’s wrong with me?” a voice said. “I am a Rabbi and a shaliach and a father and husband also! Why can’t I enjoy a weekend with my kids? Not only is not a contradiction to my life, it is an important part!”
And it was the best Shabbat I ever had.
Let me think about the lesson.
Blessing you with a Purim full of true joy that will last the entire year.
Shaul