Vayishlach - Relationships and Sometimes you Got to Bend!

Vayishlach -  Relationships and Sometimes you Got to Bend!

Kislev 13/14,57875   December 5/6,2014

In this Parsha (Portion), we see how after 20 years, Jacob sits with anxiety and anticipation upon meeting his brother Esau.  Jacob is afraid of this meeting,as he ran for his life from the very same person.  Jacob is hoping his reunion is rather tame and his brother, over time, has a more calming temperament, although he does hear of his brother coming with an army of 400!  Jacob prepares by praying to G-D, and sends his brother a gift to hopefully calm his brother's hatred and jealousy.  He also moves his own family away from the site where he is meeting his brother in anticipation of war, therefore protecting his family, so in-case, they may carry on.   

Jacob's anxiety and anticipation of his brother's arrival was interrupted by a visit and/or a confrontation from an Angel that wrestled with him,and Jacob overcame this Angel, but whiling doing so, developed a limp when the Angel touched his thigh,and actually received a blessing from the Angel. Upon Esau's arrival, he saw his estranged brother limping,and realized it would be beneath him to attack him while weak.  So one's weakness really became one's strength!  

This is true in our own relationships.  In marriage, if one is always right and insistent ,and not willing to bend, the marriage will not last.  On the other hand, if a person is always weak, and ALWAYS giving in, the relationship will not last either.   Brothers and Sisters also must have a give and take system to endure a healthy relationship. My very own brother and I have learned and applied that very lesson over the years, and now we agree to disagree, and it has helped us understand one another a bit better, but some siblings can't and or won't budge; a true loss for all parties.   Friendships end because the relationship is a 'me-me' most of the time,and no give and take,and instead it should be that of.........RECIPROCITY!

One of my favorite words in the English language!

ALL healthy relationships need RECIPROCITY AND THE ABILITY TO BEND ,UNDERSTAND,COMPREHEND AND LISTEN, AND PUT INTO PRACTICE A GIVE AND TAKE,AND UNDERSTAND THAT A WEAKNESS IS A TRUE STRENGTH!  Do not strike one's weakness or ridicule,and do not be so critical, but help build with solid construction;cherish it,as it may just be the one that helps you and your healthy relationship(s) grow.

-Amen-