Loving Hashem
We must repeat again and again the story of Rav Avigdor Miller, who would daven that at least one of his children should emerge a frum Yid. What an incredible hasagah of a Yid! Rav Miller was saying that he would be grateful if even one of his children would go on the proper path! “Who am I to merit even this!” was his thinking.
Such an attitude brings us to ahavas Hashem, and from love we come to deveikus. The Chovos HaLevavos, Sha’ar Ahavas Hashem 3) says that in order to fulfill the command of ואהבת את ה', to love Hashem, one must meditate upon the fact that according to the number of his aveiros, he doesn’t deserve to receive so much good from Hashem, and he must realize that Hashem gives him so many free gifts.
Chofetz Chaim (end of Shemiras HaLashon, Perek 2) says that if one did not meditate on this, when saying ואהבת he is considered to be bearing false witness.
The Chofetz Chaim writes further:
If it’s too difficult to think of all this during קריאת שמע, then one should be sure to meditate on this at least once a day... and it is good that person should meditate on this after his davening, before he goes to his home to eat—similar to other mitzvos d’Oraisa that must be performed before eating.
One must strengthen their gratitude to Hashem for everything that they have and be joyful for their very existence on this earth to fulfill the mission of Hashem; and one should remember that every challenge that comes their way brings them closer to their purpose. As Rabbi Shimon said to his Rabbi, R’ Pinchos ben Yair, “Fortunate are you to have seen me like this; this is the greatest thing for me, for without this tzarah I would never have gotten anywhere spiritually.”
The more a person practices this, the closer he becomes to the נעשה אדם to which Rabbi Shimon ascended. And although he may not be on the level of Rabbi Shimon, he becomes closer and closer, because he agrees and is satisfied with Hashem’s plan and program. Thus, the entire creation is more amenable to serving him.
