Parshat Lech Lecha: Appreciate Your Blessings

Everything in our lives is a blessing; it all comes directly from Hashem. Oftentimes, when we acquire materialistic pleasures, we automatically feel entitled to them, and we tend to neglect where they really come from. This week's parsha teaches us to acknowledge that Hashem gives us everything we have, and that we don’t own a penny to our name. Internalizing this message allows us to appreciate both what we do and don’t have.

Appreciation for our blessings is directly correlated to our admiration of Hashem in our daily lives. An underlying concept of Parashat Lech Lecha is our praise towards Hashem: “and blessed is G-d, the Most High” (Bereishit 14:20). From this passuk, both the Rashba and the Nefesh HaChaim conclude that the word blessing, or beracha, comes from the root word brecha, or spring, hinting to the fact that G-d is like a spring that never ends, constantly showering blessings onto his children. As sons and daughters of Hashem, the water he provides us with gives us a greater opportunity to appreciate Him.

Throughout our lives, it’s our mission to thanks Hashem for the blessings we are given, rather than taking them for granted. That doens't mean that one must spend their entire day thanking God. Rather, take a spare minute of the 16 hours you are awake to think about how all the ways in which you have been blessed. Thank Hashem for being granted everything that you have have for whatever reason he decided to give it to you. Having a big family, a healthy body, a sharp mind, genuine friends, and even the ability to communicate with Hashem are all examples of the blessings we often don't appreciate as much as we should. It’s easier to recognize our more obvious blessings, the ones that relate to our appearance or status. Be'ezrat Hashem, may we make it our mission to take advantage of all of our blessings in our lives, no matter how big or small they may seem, and may we use our blessings to elevate ourselves to the one above. To quote Rabbi Kahana in reponse to practically anything, “Baruch Hashem!"

Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach!