Ivdu et Hashem b'SIMCHA עבדו את ה בשמחה

I titled this blog "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha."
A literal translation of this phrase - "Serve G-d with happiness."
This comes from Tehillim (Psalms) 100:2, the entire line reading -
עבדו את ה בשמחה בואו לפניו ברננה - Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha, bo'u l'fanav bir'nana - Serve G-d with happiness, Come before Him in joy.

What does this mean to "serve G-d" - "Ivdu et Hashem"?

As an observant Jew, serving G-d means to follow and perform the mitzvot (commandments) outlined in the Torah and Jewish Law.  To be specific, there are 613 commandments ranging from the treatment of others to the laws of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Holiday observance to caring for the deceased, etc.  So this phrase imbues us to perform all of these commandments in a state of happiness.  As you fill your mouth with that third piece of matzah on seder night, do so with all the happiness you can muster.  When it's 40 degrees or 90 degrees on Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), feel joy that you have the opportunity to fulfill the commandment to eat your meals in the sukkah outside of the confines and comforts of a sturdy home.  You have privilege of loving and appreciating what this sacrifice does for your soul.

Those examples clearly illustrate ways to serve G-d by directly observing a written commandment.  Let us explore the more subtle ways that we can all serve G-d.  Whether or not you observe Jewish Law or even consider yourself Jewish, by engaging in constructive behavior and acting in a mature, loving way to others, you serve what you believe to be the Higher Power in this world.

If you have the privilege to parent children, every single act of caring for your children fulfills what G-d wants from you, and therefore this mantle of parenthood comprises a conduit to serve Him.  If you engage in philanthropy or perform chesed (acts of kindness) in your community, each moment of thought you devote to those acts performs a mitzvah and therefore serves G-d.  If we all keep in mind the paradigm of simcha (happiness) throughout each task and challenge, not only will we receive more merit for the mitzvot, but we will enjoy them more and live better lives.

I do not claim to have mastery over serving Hashem with happiness.  I often find that I struggle in keeping a positive perspective in challenging situations.  Through this blog, I hope to perpetually inspire myself as I discover new ways to penetrate my thick skin with happiness.  I also invite others to contribute to this blog.  If you have an idea or something to share that you think will positively contribute to others' lives, please contact me.  Perhaps your ideas will serve to inspire all of us.