Recently, I found myself staring down a task I had been avoiding for a while.

You know the kind — the one that lingers in the back of your mind, whispering that it’s both important and somehow intimidating.

It needed to be done more than once, but I kept pushing it off because, “I am just not ready.”

As I finally decided to tackle it, a thought crept in: “Even if you do it now, it won’t last, and you may not do it again.”

It was a little voice trying to convince me that my effort would be pointless.

But deep down, I realized that even doing it once had value. Why? Because every action, no matter how small, is meaningful and makes a difference.

Jewish wisdom tells the story of the Israelites’ journey through the desert after their escape from Egypt, during which they made 40 different encampments.

These stops varied in duration; some were quite lengthy, while others were as short as a single night.

Throughout this journey, the Israelites were commanded by God to construct a tabernacle, a somewhat portable temple that served as a sacred space for service and community gatherings.

Despite its portability, the tabernacle was an elaborate structure that needed to be taken down and reassembled each time they moved to a new location.

What stands out in this story is the Israelites’ commitment to erecting the entire tabernacle — no matter how short their encampment might be.

Whether they were camped for weeks or merely a night, they took the trouble to construct the whole structure every time they stopped.

Imagine checking into a hotel in Bora Bora for just one night and setting up your entire kitchen, sink included. It seems absurd to go to such lengths for such a brief stay!

Yet, this was the commitment the Israelites showed, underscoring the importance of fulfilling their spiritual and communal duties regardless of how temporary their circumstances were.

Life is full of moments when we feel unprepared or unsure.

Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a skill, or reaching out to someone we haven’t spoken to in ages, the fear of it not lasting can stop us in our tracks.

But here’s the truth: it’s good to start small and see where it takes you.

There is incredible value in taking action, even if it’s just once. The one-off action has incredible potency! And … you never know how one step might lead to the next.

Maybe it’s sending that first email, making that first call, or writing that first paragraph. Each action is like planting a seed, and you never know what it might grow into.

Think about those moments when you did take a leap, even if it was small. Maybe it was reaching out to a friend you are in a strained relationship with, starting a project, or finally tackling that cluttered closet.

How did it feel afterward? Probably a mix of relief and accomplishment. That’s because taking action, however fleeting, brings a sense of meaning and potential.

And that’s the kicker: sometimes that “once” leads to more. It’s like a domino effect, in which one small effort opens up possibilities you hadn’t imagined.

You never know when one action will lead you to your own “promised land” — a place of fulfillment and growth.

So, if there’s something you’ve been putting off, I encourage you to dive in. Build that “mini temple” by taking a step, even if it’s a small one. Embrace the moment and give it your best.

The value lies not in the duration but in the doing.

Especially in a time when we are so polarized, let’s also keep in mind the importance of community and connection.

Reach out to those who matter, and let’s support each other in taking those first steps, whatever they may be.