Vayigash: Staying In Focus!

This week's Parsha tells the story of how Joseph, now deputy ruler of Egypt, is finally reunited with his other brothers.  After the reunion, as the brothers are about to go and fetch Jacob to bring him to Egypt to be reunited with his long lost son, Joseph entreats his brothers 'Do not become agitated on the way.'  Rashi, the classic commentator, gives one explanation as 'do not  take large steps'.  Why?  The Talmud explains that taking large steps is connected somehow to the problem of blindness.

How does this relate to us?  As we go through life, we often find ourselves on a journey to a particular destination.  Indeed, it is very important to know where one's destination lies - whilst it may not be possible to arrive there just yet, it is still essential to know what the goals and ambitions are leading up to.  Once one knows, it is also important to take sensible steps to arrive there.  Attempting to run before we can walk, may end up being counterproductive.  In many aspects of life, attempting to dive in too quickly does not work.  This is not to discourage anybody from taking steps towards self-improvement, fulfilling a particular personal goal, etc.  We must grow, going from strength to strength, always seeking greater fulfillment and achievement, but we must ensure we are taking firm, solid steps which will not hamper our long-term vision - the blindness referred to in the Torah and Talmud - but will keep us focused on the target and allow us to reach it.