Hi,

The minutes add up. 

We’re about halfway through the Book of Genesis!

And we’re starting a new Torah portion.   (Genesis, 28:10)

Jacob leaves the home of his parents Isaac and Rebecca and travels to Rebecca’s family.

In search of a wife.

… Jacob lies down at night to sleep.

And he has a dream.  A prophetic vision.

He sees a ladder extending up to heaven.  With angels going up and down the ladder.

It’s seen as a symbol of spiritual growth.

Of elevating the physical world.  Uniting heaven and earth.

… It’s interesting that the Torah chose a ladder.

What’s the difference between a ladder and a ramp?

You can run up a ramp. 

But you can’t run up a ladder.

You’re likely to fall!

You have to go up a ladder slowly.  And carefully.

Step by step.

… And that’s how spiritual growth has to be.

The ladder was a message to Jacob.  And to us.

Don’t think small steps don’t count.

Small steps are significant.  They add up.

And they’re the only way to grow.

… Yesterday, a close friend invited me to see his studio.

It’s an “audio post boutique!”  The cutting edge of creating TV and radio commercials.

With some of the most advanced audio visual equipment. 

And the most amazing acoustics!

He showed us a commercial for the Discovery Channel.

It was awesome.

And frightening!

… Here’s the commercial.

“During your lifetime, you will spend seven years watching TV!”

Seven years!

And their message?

“Make sure it’s worth it!”

In other words?

Spend as much of those seven years as possible, watching Discovery Zone!

… Could you imagine?

We might spend seven years of our life watching TV!

… And here’s where the ladder comes in.

We might say, “Seven years!  Not me.

That’s it.  No more TV.

Ever!”

And how long will that last?

Well, before you turn around, we’re out shopping.

Because our “big screen” is too small!

… Let’s try the ladder approach.

Tonight, let’s watch less TV than usual.

And use the time to really live.

Like talking to our spouse.  Our kids.  Or a good friend.

(Come on.  You can think of something to talk about!)

And tomorrow night?

Try living a little more…

 All the best,