As we have done in the past few years, we are blessed with guest bloggers. They bring me great joy. They deepen our conversation and enrich our understanding. Our first guest is Rabbi Maralee Gordon. Rabbi Gordon was a classmate of mine at the Academy for Jewish Religion where we both commuted to school She from Chicago and me from Boston. We were friends although she was ahead of me in her coursework. When I interviewed in Elgin, I realized that she would be the rabbi in closest proximity to me. We would be now be neighbors and friends and sometimes even study partners. We share a deep commitment, a passion for social justice and even traveled to Ferguson together. We also share a love of these prairie skies. She recently retired from her positions at McHenry County Jewish Congregation and the one in DeKalb. I think the next chapter may include experiencing joy with grandchildren. Here are her words about joy:

If, when I wake up in the morning, before getting out of bed, I think to myself, “Maralee, you are a soul,” I feel mellow joy suffuse my being.

If, when I am overwhelmed by love for the person I am communicating with, I express gratitude for our connection, I feel deep joy.

If, when driving country roads toward a distant destination, I look, really look, at the sky and the wonder that is clouds and light, I can’t stop myself from smiling, grinning really.

If, when I open the refrigerator, I see three different things I would really like to eat, I am happy to have so many possibilities.

If, when I take that first bite, I am not distracted by what I am reading in print or on the screen in front of me, and I let the sensation of that first taste sink in, I am happy.

If, when I’m feeding my mother and I try to give her the next spoonful too soon, she turns to me and raises one eyebrow, I almost laugh to see that spark of her still there inside.

If, when taking an early morning walk with friends, our words and laughter (and sometimes sorrow or anger) mix with our strong strides so that we don’t particularly notice that the hill is steep, I am happy.

If, when I come home, there is no task urgently calling to me, and I can put my feet up and just sit, I feel joy.

Rabbi Maralee Gordon