What inspires us?

What are the little things that inspire us?

I have a dear friend that loves pineapples.  She is building a real estate business and uses them as a sign of welcoming, a sign of home and kindness.  Wherever we go, we notice pineapples and send her photos of them.  Without knowing her, I doubt I would give a second glance at a pineapple, but because of that relationship, I see them everywhere.  

It is the same thing with cars.  Before you get a car, how often do you notice a particular make or model?  Likely, not often.  However, if you purchase a vehicle, you will suddenly see it everywhere.  you may find a desire to be collegial with similar cars on the road.  You have suddenly found common ground.

As Jews, we do the same thing with mezuzot, menorahs, Jewish stars and other identifiable symbols.  We see the symbol and find a connection.  We have something to talk about.  We can play "Jewish geography and maybe even find a hidden link."

When we come home, how often do we notice the mezuzah on our own homes?  Do you kiss it as you enter the house?  Do you think of the Shema?

If you do, you may find that that tiny change will lead to bigger ones.  When we see the presence of God in our symbols, we find ourselves thinking of our connection to the Holy One more often.  If we think of God, we think about our blessings, the good fortune in our lives!  

There is great power in small things.  There is great power in small successes.  There is great power in seeing what is right in front of us!