D'var Torah: "And they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date-palms, and they encamped by the waterside" (Shemot 15:27).When a person complains it is usually because they don't remember the good that HaShem granted them before the trouble, nor do they have the foresight to know the good that will happen in the future. For instance, Klal Yisrael arrived at Elim from a place called Marah, where the water was bitter and undrinkable. They stayed at Marah for one day at which time they complained to Moshe Rabenu about the water shortage. Then they traveled a short distance to Elim, where they found an abundant water supply and pleasant date-palms. Klal Yisrael enjoyed the oasis of Elim and rested here for twenty days. If they would have only known at Marah that they would find water at nearby Elim, they would not have complained!
Moral: By counting our blessings that we have already received, and trusting in HaShem that the future will be good, we will realize that there is no reason to complain about the present.
Application: (1) Count your blessings each and every day. (2) Thank HaShem for the good blessings He grants you. (3) Have trust and faith in HaShem that just as He blessed you in the past, He will also bless you in the future. (4) Accept upon yourself a personal practice to never complain.
(Based on the commentary of the Chofetz Chaim on the Torah)
