Grey Hairs in My Beard

This week I noticed two grey hairs in my beard. I never associated grey hairs with someone of my age. It is an unmistakable sign that I am getting older.

The older I get the more I have learned to rely on davening to deal with problems in my life. Whether it is a problem in ruchnius or gashmius I do everything I can do to resolve it, but eventually there comes a point where further effort is futile. It is at this point that I daven for guidance and assistance. Sometimes I daven about it every day for months at a time. Eventually I am able to overcome the problem.

The older I get the more I learn that we are not in control.

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Merciful Father, hear our voice, Hashem our G-d, pity and be compassionate to us, an accept - with compassion and favor - our prayers, for G-d Who hears prayers are You. From before Yourself, our King, turn us not away empty-handed. Be gracious with us, and answer us, and hear our prayer, for You hear prayer of each mouth of Your people Israel with compassion. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who hears prayer. - from the weekday Amidah [Nusach Sefard]