What motivates you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities? For each of us the answer may be different but essentially, we all recognize that we have been sent into this world to fulfil a mission. The fulfillment of that mission necessitates moving beyond our limitations and stepping into the unknown. We need to have faith in ourselves and in the One who sent us on this mission. We need to believe that we have all the material and spiritual resources at our disposal to achieve our purpose. We need to do something today to push ourselves beyond our limitations and into our destiny.
Today after Shacharis someone from the back of the shule yelled out, “Tutty di bist azoi git, azoi git – Father (Hashem) You are so good…so good!” I turned around to see a man in a wheelchair, paralyzed, with control over his head and right arm, repeating over and over…, “Tutty di bist azoi git, azoi git”. Tears began to flow as I observed this צדיק. I walked over to him, put some tzedakah in his pushkeh and whispered into his ear, “Thank you Rebbe!” He is my Rebbe, who taught me today to appreciate what I have and never take for granted the infinite blessings in my life.
I know there are days that you feel like what’s the point.
I know there are moments when you rather withdraw into yourself. I know there are times when you are so deep in the hole you can’t imagine ever getting out. But we need to remember that we are the children of Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivka and Yaakov, Rochel and Leah. Our holy ancestors embedded in our spiritual DNA the ability to persist despite the challenge, to rise after we have fallen. They lived their lives for us, so that we will have the strength and courage to never give up! To develop a meaningful and loving relationship try to…
Support rather than criticize. Encourage rather than blame. Listen rather than complain. Accept rather than judge. Trust rather that intimidate. Respect rather than discipline. Be patient rather than impulsive. Inspire rather than coerce. We need to follow Hashem’s way to create the environment and offer love, support and guidance. Then stand back, as Hashem does, and grant freedom for the other to grow into who they need to be. It may be painful to watch those who you love most make mistakes and stumble along their journey, but it’s the only way they will reach their destination. The hero’s journey commonly begins with an average individual leading an average life. At some point the hero confronts a challenge that threatens to throw his world into disarray. The hero must now decide to either confront the challenge or retreat and surrender. The hero discovers a mentor who inspires and empowers him with the tools to advance. The mentor now steps back and allows the hero to proceed and conquer.
Every day we are authoring the inspirational story of our lives. With Emunah we meet life’s challenges head on and dig deep to reveal the hero within. For the last week I have been learning alongside a holy Jew. Except for the cordial good morning we have kept to ourselves. Yesterday our chavrusas didn’t arrive. We started up a warm and lively conversation and as expected, we found that we have more in common than not. We are both going through similar challenges and striving to forge a deeper connection with Hashem. We need to actively work at breaking the barriers that separate us and form real and meaningful connections with other Yidden, with more love and less judgement, in eager anticipation for the Geulah Shelaima.
Do something today to make our world a better a place. A heartfelt prayer, a random act of kindness, a spontaneous call to a friend or family member, a few words of holy Torah or simply pause to breath deep and reconnect with your inner self. Illuminate the darkness and bring hope and chizuk to yourself and others. We are surrounded by so much darkness and the hester panim is almost unbearable, however through our thoughts, words and actions we can reveal the G-dly spark concealed in even the darkest places and in that way live a true meaningful life.
Dance, smile and rejoice in the knowledge that you are the precious and beloved child of Hashem. He loves you unconditionally and despite your weaknesses. He believes in you more that you believe in you. He guides and supports you even when you feel abandoned. He picks you up when you have fallen and embraces you when you need it most. He waits for your return and cherishes the moments you turn to Him in prayer. The Kotzker Rebbe said that Hashem is wherever we let Him in. So, open your heart, let Him in and become One.
Hashem we humbly accept that You know what is best for us. And although we have often tried to convince You that You should run the world the way that we believe it should be run, ultimately, we surrender our will to Yours and accept with love and faith that which is beyond our limited understanding. Three times a day we engage You in a holy debate, offering 13 requests during our silent Amidah, and then, when we are done, we bow our heads, accept Your will and thank You for all the blessings in our lives.
Most of us are happy to remain in our comfort zones. However, each of us has a נשמה קדושה that is so powerful and awesome, capable of illuminating the world and bringing it closer to its ultimate תיקון. Hashem and the entire humanity is waiting for you to bring that potential into reality. It has been said that we are more afraid of our light than we are of our darkness. Our light beckons us forward towards greatness and we need to have faith in ourselves and Hashem who sent us here with all the spiritual and physical resources to accomplish our unique mission.
|
To join whatsapp group click HERE.
|