Spiritual Sparks: Readers Respond — Hidden Seasons, Hidden Strength

Originally published in Spiritual Sparks on May 21, 2026.

Read on beehiiv

Over the past months, many readers have shared reflections that were thoughtful, moving, humorous, and deeply human. Some stayed with me long after I read them.

With identifying details changed to preserve privacy, I wanted to share a few excerpts. Often, the conversation after a message can be just as meaningful as the message itself.

• • •

From: The Circle Game — The seasons return, but we do not remain the same

Q: Is there a particular season of the year that feels spiritually meaningful or renewing to you?

“And perhaps there is so much meaning on a deeper level in the Fall of our lives, some sadness with leaves falling, and my parents passing in the Fall. And the deep meaning of the holidays of contemplation, when we review our lives and hope we see life with a new awareness.”

“Winter. Most view winter as cold but I see warmth. A time to cozy up close with family and friends, to feel love and learn from each other as we stay warm together.”

“I’m going through the Winter season. It has made me more sensitive to other people’s needs.”

• • •

From: Walk a Mile in My Shoes — Before judging, there’s often more to the story

Motto: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

“This was a big one for me! I read it through tears and heartfelt understanding because of a family situation that has just come to light. A close relative was recently diagnosed with a condition that has rendered him nearly incapacitated. He can no longer engage in one activity that he particularly loved, and he is totally broken.

There are many issues to address and I will work hard to face these challenges. This Spiritual Spark came at just the right time with just the right amount of wisdom and direction I needed today. I will think about your words and your insight as I figure out the path ahead.

The Boys Town motto, ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,’ couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Another reader wrote:

“Your point about being present reminded me of a funny but true quip: ‘Job could endure everything except the consolation of his friends.’ His buddies did pretty good when they just sat quietly with him for a week. It was when they opened their mouths that they got in trouble.

It’s so hard to just sit with someone who is grieving, but often that is what is really needed.”

• • •

From: Are You a Good Listener?

“I know that I’m truly listening when I ask for clarification or an expansion of the thought just shared. I know I’ve been heard when someone asks a follow-up question or asks for more information about the topic I’ve expressed. Conversation is meaningful when I listen and when I feel heard.”

“Listening is a true art and must be practiced with intention.”

• • •

From: Can Sugar Look Like Salt?

Q: Have you ever realized you were seeing someone’s costume — and not who they really were?

“I see that every day in the trauma work I do. I love to see when they finish doing the inner work that they finally feel safe taking off their costume.”

• • •

From: Living With Fascination

“The most fascinating person I have met, oddly, is my grandfather. Not because his life was full of some wild or extravagant stories, but simply because I have known him for 33 years, and discovered more about him in the past two years than I have ever known.

He is a very reserved man, and growing up, he never told us much about his past. Anything, really. He is now remarried, and it’s actually his wife who seems to have unlocked him. When we occasionally meet for breakfast, I discover more and more about his past every time.

He was a runaway?! He was actually born in the South?! He never knew his father?! What!?

It’s most fascinating to me because I had a made-up past created in my young mind, and am now being surprised by the tales of a very quiet 90-year-old man.”

• • •

From: Running on Empty

“You ask what keeps a person going even when life is difficult. Personally, I feel like a dung beetle, pushing that ball of dung along. It’s sort of like being hard wired to keep moving on, maybe not always forward, maybe rolling one step forward and two steps back, but with the knowledge that life’s travails always pass.

As they say, this too shall pass. Fortunately for me, it always does ;-)”

Wishing you a week of hidden strength, meaningful conversation, and people who truly listen,

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason