Have you heard? The President is in town right now. You don't believe me? Hurry! Go and see for yourself!
Not only is he here, but he’s not surrounded by body guards and secret service personnel like he usually is. In fact, none of his staff are hovering around him at all, and there isn’t even a line to see him. You can simply walk up and chat. He’s calm and smiling and open and happy to see anyone. He wants to hear from the people—what’s working and what isn’t, what’s making us happy and what’s troubling us, our difficulties and our triumphs.
Of course, the President we’re talking about is the President of presidents, the King of kings, the Almighty G-d Himself.
The Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya, revealed to us that during the Jewish month of Elul G-d is “in the field.”
When a king is in his palace, on his home turf, he’s much less accessible. One needs to make an appointment, wait months, and deal with the surrounding personnel—and that’s only if the person is lucky enough to get in at all! But when the king travels, he wants to meet his subjects and talk to them. There are fewer barriers, and people can approach him at will.
Likewise, year-round G-d is at “home.” He’s available but more distant. We have to work harder to reach Him. But during the month of Elul, he is “in the field” so to speak, waiting for us to approach Him.
Unlike the President, who, let’s be honest, cannot really help us with our problems, G-d can. He and He alone has the ability to relieve our stress, resolve our personal troubles, and help us with our livelihood. He can help when we’re feeling lonely or depressed. He can guide us with our health issues.
So, no, this is not a “bait and switch” title. The President really is in town.
Because we are naturally materialistic, you may think I fooled you. We can only relate to what our physical eyes can see, and they can only see a physical President.
But nothing could be further from the truth. The only thing real in our lives is spirituality and G-dliness. And in this month G-d is in the field waiting for us to talk to him. You cannot see Him? Well, stop chasing money and materialistic pursuits for five minutes a day this month and use that time to tune into G-d. Open your heart to Him. Talk to Him. He is listening. He is there. All it takes is five minutes a day. Stop what you’re doing, close your eyes and focus on the Source of all life.
Go ahead, start that conversation. He’s ready whenever you are.