On Simchat Torah on my way to Shul I saw a strange thing. An ambulance was speeding down the street with flashing lights and a screeching siren, obviously responding to an urgent call. Suddenly the driver pulled over to the side of the street close to where I was standing, took out a street directory and started looking for the correct address. After what appeared to be a few tense moments he made a quick u-turn and sped back in the other direction.

I felt really bad for the person who was in need of the service and I hope the delay didn't have a negative affect. I am also certain that the ambulance responder is competent and that this was a genuine mistake. But I reflected on theJewish axiom that we can learn and draw inspiration from everything that we see and experience. I think this little episode has an important lesson for us all.

We all spend time developing our strengths, talents and resources that will help us become more efficient and productive. These are like the flashing lights and the loud siren that allow us to move quickly and efficiently achieving great things. But if we don't know the way and are confused about the destination it is all worthless. Excessive focus on the tools of life with little investment in understanding the meaning and purpose of what we do sends us speeding down the wrong road.

It is important to develop our skills and competencies. But it is even more important to understand the right direction. We need to spend time thinking about our value system and frequently question our personal goals. What do we wish to achieve with all that we have? What sort of character and personality do we wish to build and what kind of relationships do we want to develop?

So flash those lights and turn on the siren, but make sure you know the way. It might even be time to make a u-turn.

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