This week in Torah, the Israelites have left the kvetching behind. We are learning many lessons along this journey through the wilderness. In Parshat Balak, the Israelites are now a force to be reckoned with. People want to curse us and prevent our arrival in their land. However, in their attempts to derail our travel plans for Canaan, attempts at curses become blessings. It is magical, even a bit comical, how many times they give it a try and fail.
When we think we have the power to control outcomes, force agendas on others, or create chaos and disorder, we are better served by turning that energy inward. Let’s devote ourselves to growth and self-care rather than to destruction. To build the world we want to live in, join me in turning what might appear to be a curse into an abundance of blessings.