In their epic confrontation after 22 years of separation, Esav and Yaakov show their cards.
Esav resists Yaakov's gifts by declaring, "I have a lot, my brother."
Yaakov resists Esav's escort with the words, "I have everything."
Esav's words point to the material. "A lot" is a relative term. It makes sense only in comparison to others. It's horizontal. Esav's satiation comes from stuff and having more than.
Yaakov's words point to a vertical, a depth. There's no way to explain "everything" in the material realm. Though many have tried, no one can own all there is. The real wealth and satiation is coming to us as a gift, a good feeling from beyond. Yaakov knows to look in a different direction than more stuff.
We've all tasted of both outlooks. May we merit to be blessed with thoughts of gratitude and patient calm when those thoughts seem distant.
Esav resists Yaakov's gifts by declaring, "I have a lot, my brother."
Yaakov resists Esav's escort with the words, "I have everything."
Esav's words point to the material. "A lot" is a relative term. It makes sense only in comparison to others. It's horizontal. Esav's satiation comes from stuff and having more than.
Yaakov's words point to a vertical, a depth. There's no way to explain "everything" in the material realm. Though many have tried, no one can own all there is. The real wealth and satiation is coming to us as a gift, a good feeling from beyond. Yaakov knows to look in a different direction than more stuff.
We've all tasted of both outlooks. May we merit to be blessed with thoughts of gratitude and patient calm when those thoughts seem distant.
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