More important than "Knowing"
is "Doing".

People want to know what's going to be in the future. They want to know how this year will turn out.

"Knowing" is the mind's desire. It seeks to understand everything. Our mind asks:

• Why is life so hard for me?
  Will it ever get better?
• Could I be doing better for myself with a few life changes?
• How will I handle the future, or even prepare for it, since I have no clue what is coming up?

It is exactly at this point, when we reach the limit of our ability to Know — that we move closer towards a life of faith — a deeper relationship with God.

You can trust Him. God made your mind — He certainly knows what's on your mind, and he knows the challenges He is sending you — the exact life challenges needed to bring out your finest potentials.

This is not to suggest that an active dialogue between The Questing Mind and The Longing Heart show a lack of faith in God. Granted, there are times when deep introspection is fitting (ie, during the High Holy Days.) Truth be told, introspection is useful every day, in measure and within reason. If your inner questions drive you to enhance your Judaism, they have enhanced your life.

But, if worry, doubts, and "dark-dread" shake your heart and don't depart, it's good to Remember to remember: More important than Knowing your future, is Doing positive actions to build your present. It's more productive to keep busy — doing deeds that will certainly add goodness to yourself and to the world right now, than to wonder, ponder or worry about matters that God has under control.

Displace the darkness. Shift into "Do" mode, and teach your mind who's boss. Do deeds that make the world a better place for you and others:

• Make a charity box and give coins daily (Empty the box often and give to the needy. If the money remains in your house it hasn't helped anyone.)
• Help a friend — Help a stranger. Find kind words to encourage others
• Anticipate the needs of others and do your kindness beforehand — be proactive
• Learn about Torah and Judaism - your permanent link with God's wisdom
• See the "do-list" page for all the details [it will open in another window so you can come back to this article]

When you change your mind's focus from you and your situation, to those around you and improving their situation you become an emmisary of generosity and loving-kindness.

These traits send "what's-gonna-be?" questions out the door. Now, your mind space is reserved for things that help — thoughts that lead to action.

Show your Brain who is boss. You are more than just a brain.

You are first and foremost a pure spiritual being, created
by God. Your spiritual self resides in your body for the duration of your time in this world, to use your physical body for spiritual, meta-physical ends.

To the body, "Brain" is the part of us that processes nerve signals, has memory banks and helps us navigate our physicality. Brain is central to the body, but is only one element of a faith-based life, for the brain can only grasp what it can experience. Faith is on a different plane of existence.

The well known verse in parshat Shoftim "Tamim Tihiyeh im Hashem Elokecha" tells us to be of pure, perfect faith with God. Rashi tells us it means living life as God presents it to us and not making inquiries into what the future holds.

So, shift those troubling thoughts aside, and replace them with great deeds, making your corner of the world a better place bit by bit. Everyone can do this. No cost. It's not the money you invest in your deeds — it's the heart. God wants your heart.

How much "heart" can you offer back to God this year?
Try 1% more than last year — that's a huge amount of personal change, since your heartfelt prayers now have a deeper, outwardly-focussed direction.

Future knowledge is in God's realm.
Great Jewish Deeds are up to us.