The Jewish month of Elul begins this Sunday. This is the month of preparation for the New Year on Rosh Hashanah. Elul is a month of opportunity - a time to reflect on the past year, identify areas of weakness, make amends, forgive others and resolve to improve in the coming year. This process is called Teshuva - returning.
We are taught that in this month, G-d is like a "King in the field" - accessible, approachable and willing to accept us with warmth and love. During these few weeks He makes the process of change and growth a lot easier than it normally is.
But as accessible as the King is, the first step towards change and improvement must be ours. The King might be in the field waiting for us but we must go out to greet Him. This month provides an amazing opportunity but we cannot connect to it without effort. Change that comes from an external source, no matter how great it might be, is neither real nor permanent. Change must come from within and by our own choice.

Once we make a commitment to improve, G-d provides the necessary tools and inspiration. In fact, His response is disproportionate to our effort. The Midrash says that G-d pleads with us and says: "Create for me an opening as small as a needle and I will open for you a door as big as a hallway."

But the first move must be ours.

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