Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. — Deuteronomy 8:2–3

The Torah portion for this week is Eikev, which means “therefore” or “heel,” from Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25, and the Haftorah is from Isaiah 49:14–51:3.

In Psalm 107:1, King David wrote, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good . . .” There is always something good in our lives, something to be thankful for, only we have to see it. We cannot give thanks for what we do not see!

In this week’s Torah reading, as Moses recalled Israel’s past, he remembered the manna, the miraculous food that fell from the heavens each day in the desert. However, the manna wasn’t remembered as a generous gift, but rather as a test — a difficulty that Israel had to endure. Scripture reads: “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you . . . He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna . . .” According to the verse, both the hunger that Israel experienced and the manna that was given to eat provided a challenge that Israel had to overcome.

The Sages make a peculiar comment on this verse. They say, “From here we learn that we are to kindle lights on the Sabbath.” What do lights on the Sabbath have to do with the manna in the desert?

The Sages understood that the challenge that manna presented was that although the Israelites were able to taste any flavor of manna that their heart desired, the manna itself always looked the same. They were never fully satisfied because they could not see what they were eating. Much of the pleasure and satisfaction that a person derives from eating comes from the various colors and textures of the food we eat. Since the Sabbath is meant to be an enjoyable day, the Sages realized that there needed to be light so the people could see the food that they were eating. Otherwise, the day would not provide the pleasure and satisfaction that was intended.

Now, let’s take this teaching one step further. If we cannot enjoy what we do not see, the question becomes, “What are we looking at in life?”

We can only be thankful for the things that we notice. If we are always focused on what’s wrong with our lives, we’ll miss out on everything that is right. On the other hand, the more that we look at, focus on, and appreciate the good in our lives, the more we will enjoy it and be grateful for our lives.

Today, take the time to really notice and appreciate what is good in your life. Try making a list, or better yet, keep a journal of your blessings. Then, thank God for all He has given to you!