I have often watched a mother trying to cajole her boisterous youngster into bedtime. Her hesitant tone of voice telegraphs a message to her toddler that he only has to hold out a bit longer to get his way.
I have helped train inexperienced sales professionals who approach their prospects with such trepidation that the sale is lost before it begins.
Military campaigns such as the unstoppable German invasion of France through the forests of the Ardennes in May 1940 revealed the same principle - the committed usually conquer the complacent.
Or put another way, determination usually defeats diffidence. Kids are determined not to go to bed; customers are often determined not to buy, and the German panzer units were determined to bypass the far larger French army dug in on the obsolete Maginot line.
Whether in the fields of parenting, business development, or military strategy, temerity usually triumphs over timidity.
The holiday of Chanukah provides some valuable insight here. Unlike any other holiday, it is associated with two distinct and separate historical incidents.
We are still in the midst of the Chanukah observance and will light six flames tonight. As soon as those flames flicker to life, I will recite an ancient prayer thanking God for two separate miracles.
At least three times on each of the eight days of Chanukah we recite prayers thanking God for the miraculous military victory over the Jewish Hellenists and their Greek allies.
Yet the prayers also mention how after the Greeks defiled the Jerusalem temple only one day’s worth of pure olive oil was found. Unexpectedly it burned for eight days. We remember that by celebrating Chanukah for those same eight days.
So what is the background of Chanukah? Is it a marvelous military victory or is it miraculous oil burning for eight days? Will the real Chanukah please stand up?
In reality those two events go together. The military victory is really a reflection of the burning flame. With an unquenchable flame of commitment and determination burning in the hearts and minds of the Macabees, their victory against larger and stronger forces was assured.
The quality of light is such that even a small candle can drive back the stygian darkness of a large cellar and a small flashlight can help guide the traveler through a dark forest.
One of the reasons that Jews usually light the Chanukah menorah in a window of their homes is to demonstrate fearlessness in the fulfillment of this religious obligation. Doing so captures the central intent of strengthening our determination and our commitment.
Once we have mastered the importance of courageously lighting the flame of Chanukah, we can expect also to master lighting our own inner flames of boldness and resolve.
I am gratified by how many of you have already ordered my newest audio CD, Festival of Lights: Transform Your 24/7 Existence into a 25/8 Life. It is available by mail as well as by download and is also included in the money-saving Biblical Blueprint Set and the Library pack.
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