The people had been taken out of Egypt with the most remarkable miracles and display of G dly fireworks. Inspiration was everywhere. In more Kabbalistic terms, the magnitude of inspiration was off the charts. The Zohar speaks of how the people at that time had sunk to the depths of what's called “The 49 Gates of Impurity,” and then, in the blink of an eye, G d whisked them away amid glorious miracles. They were simply on a high.
But of course, nothing lasts forever. Soon, they encountered their first challenge at the banks of the Red Sea, and sure enough, they didn’t pass with flying colors. Both physically and spiritually, the people demonstrated that their initial inspiration had already worn off. Some of them were scared, clamoring to turn back to Egypt. Others openly questioned G d, renouncing their newfound faith.
It was a struggle.
The beginning was all smiles and inspiration, but then the slog commenced. They were indeed able to carry on, but only by recalling the memory of their initial inspiration and adding a dollop of hard work.
MOSES’S WARNING
This is what Moses told his father-in-law. The key words are, “Moses told his father-in-law . . . about all the hardships that had befallen them on the way.”
Meaning, “It hasn’t exactly been a bouquet of roses. Sure, it was great in the beginning, and we were all very inspired, but then hardships befell us along the way, and it’s been quite a grind—physically, and more importantly, spiritually. So, right now, my dear father-in-law, I can see you’re inspired. And that’s amazing. But what will you do when that wears off? Will you still be on board?”
Jethro answered, “I get it. I know that, and I know that I must keep this initial inspiration, just as you have done. I am aware that my current flame is at its brightest, and I will do my best to keep it burning, even after its initial shine begins to wane.”
And with that, he was accepted into the fold.
DON’T FLAME OUT
Jethro was smart enough not to abandon his ambitious project. We ought to do the same. Remember this: There may come a time when you get inspired. It could be a life-changing epiphany that drives you to completely change your ways, or it could be a small realization that marginally improves one pocket of your life.
These events do happen, and when the change occurs, you’re the better for it.
But bear in mind that the initial flame will inevitably die down. Know that in advance, so you don’t end up like a sorry construction project abandoned in a desert. Keep that in the back of your head as you go through the throes of the initial passion, and do your best to bottle up whatever inspiration you can to keep you going for many days ahead.
Then, eventually, you’ll be able to top off your personal skyscraper.
