I blew it.
That has got to be one of the most depressing feelings. Opportunity lost. Gone with the wind. Perhaps it was a conversation that quickly went south, a reaction in the heat of the moment, a business deal that in hindsight was the wrong move.
Sometimes, it seems like we never even had a chance. When you get sick and miss that major event; when a job gets filled before you even applied; when your dream home sells before you put in an offer.
If only I had been accepted to that school; If only I had learned that when I was younger; If only I had that talent. If only.
How do we overcome this sense of despair? Enter the 2nd Passover (celebrated this Wednesday).
When leaving Egypt, amidst all the festivities, there was one group of Jews who had every right to feel left out. Those who were entrusted with carrying Joseph's coffin through the desert to the Holy Land. Ritually impure from being in contact with the deceased, they could not participate in the Passover sacrifice.
What did they do? Were they demoralized, dejected and discouraged? Did they sit in their tent in acceptance and defeat? No! They channeled their desire to participate, and created new opportunity. After lobbying Moshe, and his divine consultation on their behalf, a new Holiday was born: Pesach Sheni - the 2nd Passover. Those who were unable to participate in the previous month's celebration would be able to have their time one month later.
The message: There's always a second chance. We can always create new opportunity. We can make things right. We just need to want to. Instead of dwelling on the past, let's look forward and create a bright future!