If you think that traffic congestion in our area is a challenge... a recent study found that DC's "traffic resilience" makes matters worse: When it comes to how well the region can handle unexpected traffic situations, the District ranks as the worst of 40 major metro areas in the U.S. (link to article).
It seems we have a problem adapting to new circumstances thrown at us. Imagine how difficult it must have been for Joseph to 'recalculate' his life.
As Jacob nears the end of his life, Joseph brings his two Egyptian-born children to be blessed by their grandfather. A drama unfolds. Jacob swaps his hands, and places the symbolically important right hand on the head of the younger son, Ephraim, instead of the head of the firstborn, Menashe. What was his message?
It turns out that Menashe and Ephraim symbolize two approaches and phases in Yosef's coping with the course his tumultuous life took him. When he finds himself alone in Egypt, he initially chooses to cope by embracing and living with his past, the image of his father's house, and the childhood dreams that were shattered. This is the name of his eldest son, Menashe: "For G-d has caused me to forget my father's house."
Sometime later, Joseph changed his approach. He begins to understand that the mess he landed in didn't happen for no reason. He has a historic mission ahead that will bring him to new heights. This is why he calls his second son, Ephraim, for "G-d has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
With his hand-swapping drama, Jacob tells us: True, it is important not to forget our youthful dreams, and to aspire to great achievements (Menashe), but it is more important have the resilience necessary to respond and adapt to our present circumstance (Ephraim).
As many look for new resolutions, It's important we leave the "if only.." and "when I will have.." mentality, and ask our self instead: How can I make the best of my life, the way it is now!