"Are You Grateful for Being Given the Gift of Life?" This is the title
of the first piece in this book, where Lev Hakak addresses the reader
with a question to remind us how the central discourses of early first
century CE spiritual leaders are still relevant to all of us today. He
proceeds to point out the beauty of nature that we are handed freely as
part of the gift of life. Lev Hakak points out the grandeur of
"Cinderellas" that reached the highest positions, and those modest
"Cinderellas" who live outside the limelight, who do not seek
recognition even though they are major contributors to the beauty and
betterment of the world. They remind him of the colors that fade into
the unseen spectrums of vision that are part of every rainbow. Pain and
suffering and calamities are part of the gift of life. Grief-stricken
people search for God, and if they don't perceive a response, they may
become despondent and rebel against reality. Nevertheless, we are
appreciative of the gift of life. Lev Hakak reminds us not only of the
desire to live longer life that our modern culture often fixates on but
also to continue enjoying and savoring life through fulfilling and
meaningful work.
