Maintaining Focus Through Challenges

“ Let us remember that with faith, perseverance, and a grateful heart, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way”

Parashat Beha'alotecha recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Amidst the challenges of the desert, the Israelites experienced moments of great faith and gratitude, as well as moments of doubt and complaint. One particular episode that highlights the theme of maintaining focus despite challenges is the story of the Israelites complaining about the manna that HaShem provided for them in the desert.

Despite HaShem's miraculous provision of manna, a food that appeared each morning, except Shabbat, (a double portion appeared in the morning before Shabbat) to sustain the Israelites with nourishment on their journey, the people grew tired of eating the same thing every day. and began to long for the foods they had in Egypt. Their focus shifted from gratitude for HaShem's daily provision to a desire for variety and comfort, leading to complaints and ingratitude. How could they not remember that they had been slaves in Egypt, and how bitter their lives had been before the exodus?

In response to their complaints, HaShem sends flocks of quail to provide the Israelites with meat. However, this act was also accompanied by a divine reprimand, reminding the Israelites of the importance of maintaining focus on their destination and trusting in HaShem’s guidance. 

This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing sight of our ultimate goals and values when faced with challenges or distractions. It reminds us of the importance of developing a spirit of gratitude, trust, and resilience in the face of adversity. 

Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we too face challenges and distractions on our own journey through life. It is easy to lose focus on our goals when faced with difficulties or when we become comfortable with the status quo. However, the story of the manna reminds us of the importance of maintaining focus on our spiritual and personal development despite the challenges we may encounter. 

Additionally, Elizabeth Perry, ACC, in her article entitled “Feeling distracted? Here's how to focus on your goals” writes that three main factors can make it hard to focus on your goals: your environment, your willpower, and your frame of mind. She offers 13 useful tips to help overcome these factors:

1. Create or find a better environment 

2. Make your goals visible

3. Leverage your task list

4. Pursue goals that excite you

5. Reward yourself

6. Study your craft

7. Find your people

8. Exercise 

9. Meditate

10. Remove time wasters that leave you feeling sluggish 

11. Practice love

12. Make time for fun

13. Try some productivity tips

Some or all of these tips may resonate with you and help keep you focused on your life's destination. 

Another lesson we learn from Parashat Beha'alotecha, is to enhance our sense of gratitude for the blessings we have, and to trust in HaShem's provision. By doing so, we can navigate through challenges with resilience and faith, knowing that our journey is guided by a higher purpose. 

As we reflect on the story of the manna in Parashat Beha'alotecha, may we be inspired to maintain our focus on our path, to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and to trust in HaShem's guidance as we journey through the wilderness of life. Let us remember that with faith, perseverance, and a grateful heart, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way and continue to grow and reach our potential, becoming the best that we are meant to be.