We are accustomed to looking at the world and its occurrences according to how we perceive them. But let us recognize that other people will see and experience the same matters and interpret them in an entirely different manner.
Furthermore, it is likely that Hashem has an entirely different way of viewing what is happening.
One example is how to view people, and how to judge them. Regarding the same person, some will think he is ordinary, and some will consider him a tzaddik, and they are always praising him.
Regarding a life struggle, some will consider it painful and distressing, others will consider it an opportunity for growth, and there will be others who don’t find these matters to be a struggle at all.
In Mitzrayim, it was dark for the Mitzrim, and light for the Yidden (Shemos 10: 22-23). It wasn’t solely that the Mitzrim couldn’t see and the Yidden could. It was also a difference in how to view life. The Mitzrim couldn’t see another perspective, and the Jewish nation had light. They were able to understand that there are various ways and depths to view each situation, and they realized that their own perception might be off target.
Practical Application
It is important to broaden our vision, and to see the world, with its experiences, from various angles and viewpoints.
A suggestion to develop this skill is to always seek at least two approaches to understanding Torah. When you have one pshat, keep searching, study miforshim, find another approach. You will discover that the same Gemara, or the same pesukim, can be seen in entirely different ways.
Do this approach for the essential aspect of our life. Search for new ways to view what is happening to you. Discover new depths and outlooks. This will shine a great “light” in how you should react and experience life.
“There was a thick darkness throughout the land of Mitzrayim for a three-day period.” (שמות י, כב) ַוַיְהִי חֹשֶׁךְ אֲפֵלָה בְּכָל אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים
