A Word About Thanks

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.