This week's Parsha Re'eh opens by stating that Hashem has put before us "today the blessing and the curse" and continues by saying if we listen to Hashem and follow in His ways we will be deserving of the blessing. If we G-d Forbid don't then we will end up the curse. The language is interesting as it states '"today" the blessing and curse is before us. Why does the Torah say that is today? Doesn't it depend if we actually listen or not? 

R'Elimelech Biderman explained in the name of the Shem Mishmuel that the word today is connected to the blessing, meaning that even if we haven't yet followed in the ways of Hashem but we have just resolved to take upon ourselves change then we will already merit blessing. This blessing will help us to continue and actually see that our will to change is actualized into action. This is in contrast to the curse which isn't connected with the word "today" and only if a person's actions are not following in the ways of Hashem will it befall him.

As we start this week the month of Elul it is a time which we can all look to change and improve. Our first step though is the will to change and improve. As soon as we do we will merit blessing from Hashem to see our commitments through.

May these words be a merit for a speedy recovery for Miriam bas Gittel

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath