I did not attend synagogue. I did not fast. I did not participate in the festive meals. I did not hear the shofar and I did not proclaim my Ashamnu or Al Cheit sins. But for ten days I have found myself in an increasing state of awe.

I was working, with all the distractions that entails. Yet over these days even the work contributed to a sense of atonement.

God is with us. God is within us and about us. Too often I am inclined to feel unworthy of God. I push God to arms-length. In these days my worth did not increase, but I stopped pushing away and extended my hand.

Today and in the days ahead I will sin again and again. I will mistreat others and dishonor God's purpose.

But the gravest sin - that which even God cannot redeem - is the self-made choice to be separated from God. For this sin to be undone requires each of us to put aside our pride-of-self. Whether we express it in anger, or sadness, or unworthiness, or aggression, or obsession or whatever, we must give way to make room for God's grace.

Gracious and glorious God, thank you for the blessing of these days.