Learn Management

As I begin to enjoy a positive momentum in my daily habits the Torah Portion Yitro יִתְרוֹ (Jethro) reminds me that no one can succeed alone. I'm so thankful that my weekly routine is beginning to return to its former glory. I've been able to commit to this weekly blog entry for over a year. However, since 2025 began I have also been able to do my weekly Torah Portion live bible studies on Shabbat in English and Portuguese (a huge accomplishment as it is both time-consuming and difficult). Now I'm almost to the point where I will be able to begin teaching Hebrew online finally. All this while working a full-time job, attending four university-level courses online, and making time for my family. Not to mention that I'm dealing with serious health problems. With all these challenges and successes combined, the lesson from Yitro has come at the appropriate time. Adonai's timing, as always, is perfect.

While reading the Torah Portion anyone can see that the lesson is straightforward: No one can succeed alone. Jethro examined Moses' life habits and came to an immediate conclusion:

"Moses' father-in-law said to him, 'What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.'" Exodus 18:17-18

As I examine my life habits, and I look at my future goals, I have come to a similar conclusion. I'm happy with my progress, but have so much more I want to accomplish. I want to finish writing my second and third books. I want to teach Hebrew and Hebrew calligraphy online. I want to finish and produce my clothing line. So many things and goals I set forth for 2025. If I do not pace myself or get help from others I will not only not succeed on my plans, but will likely burn out again. To accomplish the vision and dreams Adonai placed on my heart I MUST find help from those around me who share a similar vision. I've already begun doing that, and I feel this is God's nudge for me to continue seeking help. The lesson I want to share with you today may not be glamorous, but it is practical and true. This is a great time to examine those "New Year resolutions" you made for yourselves just a month ago and see if they are on track to be fulfilled. Because if left unchecked they will likely fail. Here is a dose of reality for you:

"According to Columbia University, about 25% of people stay committed to their New Year's resolutions after 30 days, and less than 10% accomplish their goals." Columbia University (click here if you want to read the study).

It is up to us to be proactive and adjust our lives if we hope to reach them. I assume that if you made the goal it must be important to you on some level. God can help you be successful, but He won't do it for you. Set time aside to recalculate your goal and take real steps to fit them into your life. If that requires seeking help, do it. Just as Jethro suggested in this narrative, I will offer up the same guidance to you:

"Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.'" Exodus 18:19-23

It is not rocket science. Life is often simple and the path of least resistance is often simple. We are the ones who complicate things. So, just as this week's lesson is simple, so will my blog entry be. Re-evaluate your goals and make adjustments to ensure you can reach them. Don't give up and become part of the negative statistic. Christ will help and guide you. I wish you a blessed week beloved family. Shalom!