I've Got an Attitude of Gratitude!

Va'eira -   I've Got an Attitude of Gratitude!

January 8/9, 2016  Tevet 27/28, 5776

In this week’s Torah Portion, we experience the beginning of the 10 plagues. We can incorporate an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, and for some, a lack there of, as G-d instructs Moses that he should speak and share with Aaron and tell him to take his staff and strike the Nile River; the same exact river that helped save Moses' life as a baby!  Moses was thankful and full of gratitude!   One may say, the plague was not done by 'his' own hand, as he followed G-d's instruction, and with assistance.

The notion also holds true for the plague of lice.  Moses was not to strike the Earth to bring on the plague because that very land had saved his own life when he struck and killed the Egyptian Slave-Master, as he buried him.  We can now see clearly that The Torah is teaching us how deeply we must feel gratitude, not only for other human beings, and animals alike, but all who come to help us, and to those inanimate objects such as our natural surroundings!  Each has definite value and beauty, and has some-kind of impact!

Moses was a VERY grateful person, and NEVER forgot his upbringing, and his very own past.  For example, in Bamidbar, Moses is commanded to take vengeance on the land of Midyan, and YES, he does not hesitate to go into war, but he will not lead the troops, because many years back, he had lived in the land and called it home.  Therefore, he felt gratitude and would not personally lead/fight this battle himself. 

One may also show IN-gratitude. During the mass exodus from Egypt, there were loud complaints about the conditions of the Sinai Desert!   Sand, lack of _______, extreme heat,etc… and that is enough to make ALL of us extremely agitated and somewhat ungrateful!  What they (and all of us) must hold close to our hearts and souls is the appreciation of being "Let Go" from slavery.  Through-out history, we are confronted with opportunities to show our gratitude (or to deny) to another and to that of G-d!

If we take a look at today, some of our personal 'issues' or worries can be traced to a failing ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, especially towards family, friends, and to one another, and Yes, to our natural surroundings and loved Pets!  A person who develops an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE is a much happier person and certainly sees more satisfaction in his/her relationships.

I am happy and I am very grateful and wish you ALL a Happy Shabbat!