It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to absolve yourself from it.

– Ethics of Our Fathers

We live in tumultuous times. And, I am filled with a profound sense of obligation to leave this world better than I found it. Yet, sometimes I can feel confused and overwhelmed as I contemplate my role in this process. And at these times I find these words from Ethics of Our Fathers so comforting. I am neither expected to solve all the world’s problems, nor am I free to ignore my role. Here’s an exercise for this week: take a moment to sit in silence and ask yourself, “What is my unique and particular contribution to this world?” Then, find one active expression of this contribution…and start doing it!