Awakening to Gratitude
I once underwent surgery which involved general anesthesia. When the anesthesiologist began injecting me with the substance which would put me to sleep, I tried fighting it off as best as I could. But it was more powerful, and the next thing I knew, the operation was over.
The experience of awakening from surgery aroused within me the understanding of the wonderful kindness that Hashem did with me by allowing me to return to normal life after this procedure. How many people climb onto the operating table, even for a simple procedure, and never merit coming down alive?
After contemplation, I came to the realization that just as Hashem awoke me from the induced sleep of the anesthesia, I must thank Him for awakening me each day after a night’s sleep. Sleep is one-sixtieth of death. Isn’t it an act of tremendous Heavenly kindness that we are granted another day of life?