Monday, February 20, 2012

One Step Forward

So many times in life we try to take a step forward but it hurts, it physically hurts to change.  We feel something pulling us back, giving us all the excuses in the book even though we know it's the right thing and yet we still can't manage to bring ourselves to do it.  Or better yet, we do over come that obstacle and only too soon do we find ourselves back in the same predicament, back to square one.  Why does Hashem send us these challenges? Why can't it be that we spot a sore area and fix it right away?  Smooth, simple and easy. 

Rabbi Lazer Brody helps us understand this concept.

"So many people crave comfort-zone lifestyles. Yet, you can't be a champion unless you break out of the comfort zone. In spirituality as well as in athletics, pain makes gain.

The difficulties in each of our lives are all from Hashem's lovingkindness, to help us grow and realize our potential. Without the challenges that force us to develop and mobilize our capabilities to the hilt, we'd all probably wallow in the muck and mire of mediocrity. Hashem wants us to be our best, so He sends a cloud here and there to block the sunlight and clear skies.

Sunsets would be boring without a few clouds. The clouds make the suns rays look spectacular.

The periodic difficulties in our lives only make Hashem's salvations look more spectacular. When you think about it, rising to a major challenge really does make life more beautiful."

Hashem gives us these difficulties as a gift.  We are so lucky to have them, for those who live a "perfect" life are  the ones who should worry.  Hashem loves us and cares for us that's why he sends these challenges.
It takes a lot of strength to overcome our Yetzer Hara but as soon as we do, it's the greatest feeling in the world. That pain allows us to feel true simcha and we get to move up a rung on the ladder; and what better feeling is there than being a step closer to Hashem!

1 comment:

ChanaK said...

I can completely relate to this. Thanks for posting it. It's especially hard living in America where there is so much emphasis on "comfort". LOL.... most of us drive a car to go around the corner! Growing in spirituality and closeness to Hashem is extremely hard sometimes, but the reward is immeasurable. I always find that when I am feeling close to Hashem, I am so unbelievably happy. And it's not a superficial happiness, it's real.

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