Rabbi Goldstein (name changed) was once pulled over for talking on his cellular phone while driving. Another Jewish driver was pulled over at the same time, and the policeman dealt with the other driver first. Rabbi Goldstein watched as the other Jew argued loudly with the policeman, and he made a decision: Since he knew that there was no way to escape the ticket he was going to receive, he resolved, he might as well use the opportunity to create a kiddush Hashem.
“Thank you!” Rabbi Goldstein exclaimed as the policeman approached his window.
Taken aback, the officer asked, “Why are you thanking me?”
“Because you are keeping the streets safe, and you are absolutely right for giving me a ticket,” the rabbi explained.
The policeman was visibly moved. “I wish other people would treat me with the same respect,” he said.
If we train ourselves to live with emunah, the calmness and serenity that we develop will radiate a powerful message of faith to everyone around us.
The key to serenity and stability is faith. When we become angry or impatient, besides the emotional pain we may inflict on others, we also create a chillul Hashem by sending the world the message that we do not believe that all events are orchestrated by a single Power. It is not enough for us to simply talk about faith; we must truly internalize it so that it governs all of our reactions and allows us to remain calm and unfazed, regardless of what happens.
