A Key to Success
On each of the six days of creation [with the exception of the second day, see the commentaries as to why,] the Torah says “and G-d saw that it was good.” However, at the end of sixth day, the passuk says “And G-d saw all that he had made and behold it was VERY good.” What is the reason for this discrepancy?
G-d did not create everything at once; rather, he made the world and it’s inhabitants gradually, and after each day, he was happy with what he created. But at the end of the week, G-d LOOKED BACK at the WHOLE week of creation, and G-d saw all that he made and it was very good.
Perhaps the Torah is teaching us an important psychological lesson.
When one embarks on a goal, like overcoming an addiction or working on a character trait, it takes time to make significant progress. Every day you work at it and make some progress, but it is slow. An important key to success is to take the opportunity after time has passed [a week, a month…], to look back at all that you have done, and then you will realize that you have truly accomplished a LOT. That will give you the inspiration to keep pushing forward to the ultimate success.
[Editor’s Note: As I was reviewing Shaya’s Dvar Torah, it struck me that this is a perfect lesson for us. We have just finished the Yom Tov of Succos, which is followed by Simchas Torah. Simchas Torah is the completion of the reading of the Torah which was read Parsha by Parsha starting with this week’s Parsha. I once heard that one reason why Isru Chag is so special is because it is a day to reflect on what we gained from the past Yom Yov and what we will take with us for the coming year. We have almost finished a month filled with uplifting Yomim Tovim. Let us take the time now to reflect on what we have gained from this past Yom Tov and try to renew our Kaballas that we took on in the beginning of the month; and through that, we will be zoche to greet Moshiach in our days!]To be added to the weekly Dvar Torah list please email zichronshaya@gmail.com
