Rubber-necking vs. Stiff-necking

"What you thought was real in life somehow steered you wrong, now you just keep drivin' tryin' to find out where you belong" (3DD)

Don't be Rubber-made.
Focus on the road of life!

They say that we're a stiff-necked People. Well, the Torah actually testifies to this reality. Although this usually connotes the fact that we are stubborn (which is certainly extremely accurate), albeit in a somewhat negative tone, there may be a valuable lesson that can be learned from this "stereotype," one that is far more positive and admirable.


For those drivers out there that have ever sat in traffic - we're talking about real bad congestion - knows the frustration of finally pulling up to the "scene" that has caused the delay, only to realize that the commotion was on the other side of the highway. 
"Why can't everyone just move!" we say out loud as if someone can hear us (or that it will actually make a difference). 
While we slowly drive by, we turn to take a quick look over our shoulder, just like everyone else. After we let out a deep grunt, gazing at the time as we move forward, we're pleasantly surprised that miraculously, the traffic begins flowing freely once more. Although we sat in nearly motionless traffic for what seemed to be an eternity, we all understand why - rubbernecking, a term so very descriptive of the behavior.
If only everyone wouldn't look, right? If only everyone would focus on the road. If only everyone would concentrate, we would not have to sit in unnecessary traffic, delaying our arrival at our destination.


If only we weren't so interested in every aspect of our surroundings - so distracted. Wouldn't we move faster? Wouldn't we be more efficient - with our actions and our time? 
But remember - we're a stiff-necked Nation. We were created with the inborn ability to remain focused and attentive on our tasks and responsibilities, both on a personal and national level. We must learn to harness this strength and master this skill in every facet of our lives so that we never lose sight of our objectives. 
Life is one long rubber match! But to truly Livestrong, our lives cannot be made of rubber!


Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength to remain focused today - on You!"