There’s a story told about a man who went to a spiritual master and asked, “What is the secret to life?” The master replied cryptically, “Wood, wires, and nails. Go contemplate.” After much thought, the man was still baffled. One day, while walking in the park, he heard beautiful music. He followed the sound and saw someone playing a guitar. In that moment, he realized the meaning of the master’s words: with the same materials, you can either build a weapon or a musical instrument. It all depends on how you put them together.
This idea is deeply rooted in the Torah. When Jacob blessed his sons, his words weren’t always what we think of as blessings. At times, they seemed like rebukes, as he called out their flaws alongside their strengths. But these words were a profound gift. By highlighting who they were, Jacob gave his sons the self-awareness to see their potential and the insight to reassemble their traits into something greater. His blessings were a challenge as much as they were a guide.
Each of us is made up of traits, tendencies, and challenges. These are our raw materials. They aren’t inherently good or bad; their value lies in how we use them. Do we let our traits build harmony, or do they create chaos? Anger, for example, can be destructive, or it can be redirected into a passion for justice. Fear can paralyze us, or it can be transformed into caution that protects us.
The greatest blessing we can receive is self-awareness—the clarity to see who we are and the wisdom to refine ourselves. Life isn’t about changing what we’re made of; it’s about assembling those pieces in a way that creates something extraordinary. Your potential for greatness already exists—it’s up to you to bring it together in harmony.
Take a moment to reflect on your own traits. Are you building a life of beauty and purpose, or are your raw materials being assembled haphazardly? The choice is yours. Use this awareness to take the next step in becoming the best version of yourself.
