Not unlike an airplane “gearing down” for a smooth landing, this time of year finds many of us in the middle of summer preparing for all life brings in September and the fall season. Some of us are in the second camp session, college bound students are preparing for the new semester, and many of us begin to notice the shortening days.

As Jews, we have even more to consider, to contemplate and find our way to prepare, for not only the end of summer is nearing our horizon, but the end of the year, or rather the new year, Rosh Hashana, is within sight. So how do we prepare for a “smooth landing?”

For some, Tisha B’Av is an obscure holiday but for others it is a stark reminder of devastation for the Jewish people as we recognize a time that the Second Temple fell and we mourn the loss over these centuries. Many families of Holocaust victims also recognize this time as a Yarzheit for their loved ones. But what are we really to do at this time?

Consider reflection, such as how the reflecting of the earth creates the blue skies and how beautiful it is and what a true gift that is from Hashem. At this time, reflection should be directed inward to the trials, tribulations, and blessings of the past year. The idea that we begin our descent for the year and approach the new year gives us the opportunity to not only count our blessings, but to self-grade. We get to determine how we did this year free from judgement of anyone but ourselves.

We also get the opportunity, a true opportunity, to seek forgiveness and establish a new beginning for the new year, Rosh Hashana. Our shortcomings are many as a species but our ability to decide what to do about it is limitless. We can change and adapt ourselves and our thinking to pursue life and our dreams in a way to seek happiness, contentment, and a fulfilling life if only we believe we can and if we begin that descent right now.

You see, waiting for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur to be here is not the time to prepare; rather that is the time to execute our vision, the time to confirm to ourselves, to Hashem, and to the ones we love that we are ready to fill the coming year with enthusiasm, good will, and love.

Preparing for this will take effort and the biggest effort is the effort to take the first steps. Just as any worthwhile endeavor requires the planning, preparation, and decision to take action, the first steps we take will determine the direction of our future. Of course, we get to make corrections along the way if we pay attention and remind ourselves of our plans and dreams throughout the year.

As this summer winds down, I reflect on being a Zayde and watching my grandsons grow, creating memories with them and all the new cousins, nieces, and nephews that are part of my growing family that will last a lifetime.

Vito Simone is a local resident, home renovation expert, and a Zayde to Zev and Leo. You can find his professional business online at www.TodaysHomeRenovations.com. Comments are welcome below or you can email Vito at [email protected] or call him at 410-952-5595 with blog comments or ideas, or for more information about Today’s Home Renovations.