13.5.07

embedded servitude

We have a natural tendency to enjoy some situations and suffer through other situations. What can we do? Good things happen, and bad things happen.

The truth is that every situation is a revellation of HaShem unique to the person experiencing said situation. When one is totally aware of the reality of the revellation, the concept of a good and bad situation vanishes. There is only that which HaShem is giving to you right now. How could that ever be bad?

The Baal Shem Tov brings this down in Tzava'at HaRivash, the second teaching, in which he explains the phrase שויתי ה' לנגדי תמיד - I equate HaShem opposite me, always. He reveals that the passuk bears the hidden meaning that "he equates [all of] his [Godly] experiences." A tasty dish, a plain dish, honor, embarrassment, they are all equal, for they are all a divine experience.

This, he says, is a very high level, but for those who can't reach it, still they need to know that God wants us to serve Him in the way He chooses. We may want to serve Him through prayer or Torah study, but sometimes He wants us to serve him through working in the market place, interacting with people, or [for a modern corollary] sitting in traffic. We have to realize that at every moment it is within our power to be serving HaShem with whatever task is before us presently, for it is HaShem who brought this task before us.

This is something nice (and inspiring) to remember and practice especially during challenging moments in our day.

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