Sharing the Power of Perspective (Vayigash)

“So, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:8)

One of the most important things we can share with our children is perspective. Given our life experience, we know that things are often not what they seem in the moment. We’ve learned that joy can lead to pain and disappointments can lead to the greatest blessings. Initially, our main job is to validate and help them process what they are feeling. But later, encourage them to step back and consider the larger implications of what happened. This is especially effective if you can use an example from the past: “Remember when you didn’t get into Jenny’s bunk and how disappointed you were…how did you feel about your new bunk mates and counselors by the end of the summer?”

Finally, like Joseph, we can help them strengthen their faith that there is ALWAYS a bigger, more beautiful picture, even when we can’t see it just yet.