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At the splitting of the Yam Suf, the Jewish people experienced an unbelievable event. Chazal, however, critiqued their behavior at this momentous occasion. The Midrash, (Shemot Rabbah 24) gives a descriptive account: “Nothing has changed,” Reuven said to Shimon. “In Egypt we had to deal with mud, and now, too, we are dealing with mud. In Egypt we had to fashion bricks out of mud, and now we have to walk through mud.”
Rav Yissochor Frand (Rabbi Frand on the Parshah 2 Page 126) elaborates on this fascinating medrash. Imagine the situation: The sea was raging in front of you and the elite Egyptian troops were storming right behind you. You are completely trapped. Nachshon takes the plunge and right before your very eyes you see the sea split. Now, you have a beautiful clear path. You have escaped a life-threatening situation. Now, imagine you hear the person next to you complaining, “My shoes are getting muddy. I might as well be back in Egypt.”
Unfortunately, we all know people who would have similar reactions. People can find reasons to complain about anything, even Keriat Yam Suf. When you try to find something negative, you can usually succeed. This is a challenge that we constantly face. How are we going to view a certain person or situation? Will we only zone in on the negative?
The great Rabi Yochanan ben Zakkai had five primary disciples. In the second Perek of Avot (2:13) he requested of his students: Go out and discern which is the proper path to which a man should cling. Rabi Eliezer responded: Ayin Tovah, A Good eye. What does that mean? The Rambam (Avot 2:13) explains that it describes a person who is satisfied with what he has. He is happy with his lot. The Rambam says that this is the most desirable trait. This is a level we should all aspire towards. Many times in life it becomes way too easy to compile a laundry list of what is wrong in our lives. The Mishnah challenges us to start having an inner happiness with what we have. We should consistently focus and internalize the constant blessings in our lives. With hard work and the proper mindset, we can truly transform into appreciative and grateful individuals.