Signs and Revelation

Everywhere I go there are signs.

Written in chalk.

Posted in windows.

Signs of hope, of healing of solidarity.

Posters congratulating the class of 2020 who were recently relegated to zoom commencements.

Arrows painted on the sidewalk pointed towards a “Quarantini” cocktail stand.

I appreciate these small consolations, drawn-up with care by neighbors.

And in spite of signs offering direction, I got lost twice this past week.

First on foot in Golden Gate Park, where I thought I was exiting by the Golden Gate Bridge, but found myself standing under a sign with an arrow pointing in the opposite direction.

And again, on a drive with my kids, I took a wrong turn.

My son looked out the window, excitedly, “Look there’s another Petco!”

Let’s pause here.

My child believes multiple Petcos have been erected in a two-minute span of time, and not that his mom is driving in circles.

That’s the type of beauty I can live off of for a long time.

I could end this story here — on this high note of grace.

Except there’s more, right?

We’ve been building towards it, as Shavuot approaches on Thursday night. This holiday of revelation, commemorating the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

I’m on the lookout for a burning bush, but I’m receiving sidewalk-chalk messages and duplicating Petcos!

But maybe that is it for now — A moment or two of clarity might feel revelatory this year.

Getting lost and finding my way back home each time.

Wishing you all a holiday filled with meaning and discovery.

Chag Samaech.