This article was previously published in 2017.
It is said, if we knew how truly perfect life is, we would look up at the sky and laugh. If we are open to it, this revelation can be ours this week.
It is true that when we look around the world, we can see all of its beauty. We can marvel at the sky, the sun, the animal kingdom, the fish in the sea, and the many kinds of humans creating a glorious tapestry. Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life: As though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.”
“The Universe supports us this week in seeing this perfection of life.”
Each day, hundreds of thousands of new souls in new bodies are born with beautiful, delicate intricacies like eyes, little toes, fingers, organs, and beating hearts. Each day, the sun rises and all of God's creatures around the globe wake to create a symphony of these beating hearts and thinking minds – all blessed with the ability to live another day. The Universe supports us this week in seeing this perfection of life. Life is good. Love is all around us. Miracles do abound. There is a Divine perfection weaving through your life.
In this week’s portion of Miketz, we read about the rise of Joseph. After 17 years, his difficulties have finally come to an end. Joseph had been able to control his consciousness during this time and he was able to see the perfection in his life process. Joseph is released from bondage and becomes the ruler over all of Egypt. The night is over for Joseph, and a new day begins.
For us too, it is our time to shine and rejoice. We are ushered into a new and better chapter in our own lives. If we try, we can see our lives perfect as they are right now without any doubts, judgements, worries, or regrets. Just as the Creator had a perfect plan for Joseph, so too does the Light have a perfect plan for each one of us. Let us celebrate in this great truth!
“It is our time to shine and rejoice.”
It is no coincidence that this is also the week of Chanukah, when we can access a tremendous amount of Light, made available only during this time of year. This is the Light of miracles that has the profound power to eliminate chaos and sadness, and to replace it with the greatest happiness we can possibly imagine.
Take a moment, as you read this, to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Start to think about the whole of your life, meditating upon all your blessings, talents, and gifts – the many treasures, you possess. Are you including the breath of life? The gift of having another day in which to live, to love, and to learn? Are you including those you love? The sky, the sun, the moon, and the warm eyes of a friend? You have people in your life who care for you. You have hands to give and to sustain others. Feel the life you are living and feel gratitude for all of your blessings.
You see, the secret of joy is knowing that you are receiving exactly what you need to at each moment. Your life is the most perfect system possible – designed especially for you. When we come into this world, our soul chooses the precise environment and family to help our karma be resolved. We chose the parents we have, and even the way we look. Everything is designed for our own best interest. The pain of looking at another with jealousy is really believing the Creator doesn't know what He is doing. Jealousy is the greatest destroyer of joy. As I have often said, the punishment of jealousy is just that – being jealous. Joy is knowing that everything in our lives is exactly as it should be.
“Jealousy is the greatest destroyer of joy.”
Perhaps, if you can, find time this week, to take a walk and bathe in all the glory of your life. Tilt your head up to the sky and laugh. How rich you truly are! Focus and see all the treasures in your life, the people who love you, and the people who need your love. Each one of us is a survivor, and a mighty ruler over our own lives. This week, let us rejoice in this and all that is good.
