The essence of a Yid and his connection to his Creator is dependent on this midah of hakaras hatov. True hakaras hatov is recognition of the One and only Source of Goodness – which is Hashem. The more a person sees Hashem in his life, the more appreciation he will feel.
The words in our selichos and our prayers for forgiveness this time of year are certainly very powerful. We may even recite them with profound feelings of remorse. However, and it might be just me, but when we return to the world outside of shul, we may forget the anguish we just felt for having behaved improperly. Therefore, the navi Hoshea (14:3) gives us the remedy, and cautions us in this week’s haftorah – קְחוּ עִמָּכֶם דְּבָרִים וְשׁוּבוּ אֶל ה׳ – That we must take these words with us – even after we have left shul – and work to transform our sincere tefillos into genuine actions of repentance.
This song commemorates our victory, one of Kedusha over Tumah, of the sacred over that which is profane.
From a young age, we busy ourselves in the building of our internal Mishkan – brick by brick, with every single experience, tragedy and triumph – so that Hashem will take permanent residence inside our hearts. Our hearts – our one true faithful guide.