Every excuse we give for not doing something expected of us sounds legitimate, at least to ourselves. Yet in moments of honest self-reflection, we often feel that we have fallen short.
Why do we feel bad? It is not because our excuses are false. They can be completely valid. The reason we feel disappointed is because deep down we know that despite all the obstacles, we still could have risen to the occasion.
We know that we have it within us to do what needs to get done. Yet we might wait for someone else to take the lead, or for circumstances to push us into action. Taking initiative is difficult, as It requires effort, courage, and responsibility.
The question is: How do we develop that sense of initiative? How do we find the strength to act before circumstances force us to?
An answer can be found in this week's Torah portion, Shelach.
We read the well-known story of Moses sending twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout out the Land of Israel. Moses was worried about the report they would bring back, which is why he prayed that G-d would protect his protégé and eventual successor, Joshua, from the influence and reasoning of the other scouts.
Moses was right to be concerned. The scouts returned with a negative report, twisting every positive sign into a reason for fear. They argued that it would be better to remain where they were rather than move forward into the unknown land.
Moses expected Joshua to turn the tide. Yet it was not Joshua, but Calev, who succeeded in getting the people to see things differently.
Calev's response remains deeply instructive.
Where did Calev find the strength to stand up against the consensus? Where did he get the courage to challenge what everyone else was saying?
While in Israel, Calev separated from the other scouts and traveled to Chevron, the resting place of our ancestors, and prayed to G-d for help. He took the initiative.
Before he could influence others, he worked on himself. Rather than assuming that he would naturally make the right choice, he sought Divine assistance. He understood that success does not come from waiting for inspiration to arrive on its own. We must take responsibility for our growth and do something to strengthen our character and convictions.
That is why, although Calev did not possess the stature or influence that Joshua had, he was able to step forward when it mattered most. When he saw that the people were being swept away by fear, he stood up and called for everyone to listen.
Paying close attention to the words he chose, we uncover a fascinating insight.
Calev connected with the people. He understood their concerns. Their challenge was not a lack of faith in G-d. Rather, they were afraid of the obstacles they would encounter along the way.
That is why Calev reminded them of the miracles they had already experienced. Every one of those miracles occurred during the journey itself—G-d had guided them through challenges before, and He would continue to guide them through the challenges ahead.
Calev's message resonates today no less than it did then:
1. Stop making excuses, even when they are legitimate.
2. Find the inner strength to ask for help.
3. Do not wait for miracles before taking action. More often than not, the miracles reveal themselves after we take the first step.
4. Take your destiny into your own hands.
5. Don’t be afraid to just do it.
Shabbat Shalom.