Broad-winged Hawk : The Glory of Humility

This is a Broad-winged Hawk. I watched him for the few minutes that he was perched, motionless. He was overlooking the water, hunting for a bird or small mammal. Human attention is drawn to eyes, and this Hawk’s eye is compelling, in fact mesmerizing. But pull your attention down to his talons. That step he’s taking is in preparation for an explosion into the air. Seeing him perched - static - and also anticipating his take-off - dynamic - gave me a fascinatingly complex appreciation of this regal beast.

The Omer is now in its fifth week, and this week’s spiritual dimension is Hod. The Omer is a period of deep contemplation and spiritual preparation - a time to “do the work.” Different sources teach during this week of Hod we should focus on “Glory,” while others counsel it is a time of “Humility.” I originally found this more than a bit confusing. Glory and Humility seem polar opposites, and focusing deeply on one almost inherently means excluding the other. “Hod,” though, comes from the same root as, “Thank you.”

Further reflection reveals that Glory and Humility are in fact not opposites, but complements. When we stand rooted - static - in the presence of true Glory, we are able to experience our own Humility. Similarly, when we internalize Humility, we make space - dynamic - to see the Glory that is around us. The Hawk, right at that cusp of flight, inspires “That is glorious! Thank you!” which simultaneously allows us to experience our own humility. How much more so, then, will we experience both Glory and Humility during Shavuot, celebrating HaShem’s giving of Torah!