We learn in the Torah/Scriptures that after Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they returned to their father, Jacob, in Canaan and told him that Joseph was still alive, and then began describing his important position as a viceroy and advisor to the Pharaoh in Egypt. Jacob was stunned and exclaimed, “Enough! My son Joseph yet lives” (Genesis 45:28).

It once happened that a woman was walking on the beach with her little son picking up seashells when the sky grew dark, the wind blew fiercely and the ocean churned as a violent storm broke out. Without warning, a huge wave crashed into the shore and swept the child out to the sea. The panic-stricken mother fell to her knees and began a tearful prayer to G-d:

 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O L-rd, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Please bring my son back to me safely.”

Moments later, another wave crashed into the beach and placed the young child, unharmed, at her feet.

The grateful woman, at first overwhelmed, held her beloved child close for some time, unable to utter a word. Then, in joy, she turned her tearful eyes toward heaven and cried:

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1) Oh, thank You Merciful One, thank You for Your kindness. My gratitude to You is eternal.”

Suddenly, she took a good look at the child, then lifted her eyes again upward, and in a demanding tone called out:

“But You forgot that he was wearing a hat!”

When the brothers wished to tell him “Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt (genesis 45: 26),” Jacob interrupted, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. (Genesis 45: 28) Everything else is unnecessary.”

We often receive many gifts and blessings from the Holy One, blessed be He, and may even express some level of thanks, yet we still remain dissatisfied, because things are not exactly the way we would like them to be. We could all use a lesson in true gratitude.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with friends, family and others. Feel free to leave us a comment or two.