This past Tuesday, my family and I made the long trek to New York. Flying to New York with five kids in tow is quite something and although I thought the trip went pretty smoothly, I’m not sure everyone else did…Interestingly enough, one of the stewards came from a really large family – 18 children! (He also turned out to be Jewish, but that’s a separate story…)
As always, I like to learn from my various experiences, and from flying there are many lessons to be learned. But one thought in particular struck me: Before a flight even takes off, the pilot already has the entire flight plan in hand. The route is previously decided and the airport where the plane will land is scheduled and ready for the flight’s arrival. Imagine if a plane would take off without a flight plan. It would be a recipe for disaster, liable to crash at any time and unable to land without causing confusion.
We often get dragged down by the challenges that we experience. All too often we can lose sight of the greater picture. This is a common experience and a solution is all too ordinary: we get a book, take a seminar or discuss the matter with a mentor. And then – we have the solution! We are inspired and motivated; we are ready to face our challenges head on! But then, we land. And the inspiration is gone, the motivation is gone and we are back to where we started.
When we allow ourselves to fly, to get inspired, we must first plot our course; what do I need to work on? What do I want to get from this? How will I incorporate this inspiration in my life? At which point will I begin and what will be my next step?
Like so many others I know, I’m sure you have had the thought, “I should really be a bit more Jewishly involved. My family should really experience more Judaism in their life.” What usually happens next? This momentary inspiration fades away and nothing has changed. If we would plan our course, if we choose one particular area of Jewish life to introduce or strengthen, then it would have a lasting effect.
Looking for specific suggestions? Please feel free to contact me to discuss some ideas (when I get back from New York…).