In this week's parsha we read about Yosef's continued ordeal after being sold as a slave to an Egyptian master. Yosef is subsequently placed in jail, framed for an offense he didn't commit and then eventually elevated as the second most powerful person in all of Egypt. If we contemplate Yosef's life it is a lesson to us all. He was the favored son in his father's house, he was then kidnapped and sold into slaverly by his brothers, he then becomes a distinguished slave in his masters house only to be thrown into prison and then he is finally placed in one of the most powerful positions in the world. His life was filled with dramatic ups and downs, as soon as things were going in the right direction everything fell apart, amidst the rollercoaster ride though Yosef didn't give up. He kept his faith in G-d and realized there was a much deeper plan, which he merited to see.

Most people's lives are filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, maybe not as dramatic as Yosef's but nevertheless situations change and we are left with the choice to give up or adapt and keep our faith. There is a plan and nothing is by chance, everyone one of those ups and downs are necessary for us to fulfill our purpose. It is a test for us to always keep in mind that there is a bigger plan even though we only see a small episode.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath