Avigdor, a rich merchant from Brod, once came to the Baal Shem Tov and brought with him a large sum of money for charity. The Baal Shem Tov accepted the money and asked Avigdor, "Do you have a request?"
"No," answered Avigdor.
"Perhaps you need a blessing for livelihood?" asked the Baal Shem Tov.
"No," said Avigdor. "I've been in business for many years and I have no worries about livelihood."
"Thank G-d," said the Baal Shem Tov with emphasis, for is not every success from G-d? The Baal Shem Tov then inquired as to the man's health and that of his wife and children, hoping to hear some expression of gratitude but again, no words of thanks to G-d were heard.
The Baal Shem Tov said to Avigdor: "There is a verse in the Book of Psalms that we repeat every day in our prayers: 'You, G-d, are enthroned upon the praises of the people Israel.' G-d waits for words of praise from Jews. When a Jew says `thank G-d' or the like, it is dearer to G-d than the praises of the angels in heaven! Though G-d does not need us to praise Him or thank Him, we need to remember that everything we enjoy, good health, good fortune, good children, all come from G-d, the Source of all blessings.
"However," cautioned the Baal Shem Tov, "just when one is most successful and thinks that it is all due to his wisdom, or that he deserves it all, he may think that this is the way it is going to always be. He may forget altogether that it is all due to G-d who has been very kind to him.
"So, G-d waits to hear how people respond. If one asks the other, 'How are you, how is your family, how is business?' and the person answers, 'Thank G-d, well,' then G-d bestows even more generous blessings."
The Baal Shem Tov continued, "I would ask you to do me a favor since you come from Brod. Please deliver a letter to the president of the Jewish community." The Baal Shem Tov then wrote a letter, sealed it, and handed it to Avigdor. "Please deliver the letter personally into the hands of the community president and to no one else."
Avigdor took the letter, put it in his pocket, and took his leave of the Baal Shem Tov. On the way home, Avigdor thought about the Baal Shem Tov's words and resolved to be more aware of G-d's blessings in his life. When he returned home, he changed his traveling clothes and tucked the jacket he'd been wearing into his closet, forgetting about his resolution and the letter.
Years passed and the wheel of fortune turned for Avigdor. One deal after another went sour until he was left a virtual pauper. He even had to sell his household goods. Before long there was nothing more to sell, except an old used suit that hung in his closet. Avigdor went through the pockets before selling the suit. Suddenly, he came upon the letter which the Baal Shem Tov had asked him to deliver so many years ago!
Avigdor stared at the letter. He remembered the Baal Shem Tov's words about thanking G-d for all the good He bestows. "What a fool I was not to realize that the Baal Shem Tov was cautioning me," thought Avigdor sadly. He resolved to heed the Baal Shem Tov's words from then on.
The name of the addressee on the envelope was still clear. Reb Tzadok, the new President of Brod. Avigdor rushed out of his house and asked the first passerby, "Where can I find Reb Tzadok?"
"You mean, Reb Tzadok, the newly elected president?"
"Yes. This is the man," said Avigdor.
"You'll find him in the big study hall. Only this morning he was elected head of the community..."
Avigdor had been so immersed in his own worries he hadn't even known that there was an election for a new communal president. "Do you know anything about the new president?" asked Avigdor.
"He started as a tailor's apprentice. When he went out on his own, he struggled. But, he never complained. Whenever he was asked how business was, he always replied, 'Thank G-d, I'm making a living.' A few years ago, he began to prosper. But his success never turned his head. He gave charity generously and remained the same modest man. And, whenever people ask how's business, he still answers, "Thank G-d, I'm making a living."
Avigdor hurried to the study hall and handed Reb Tzadok the letter, apologizing profusely for the delay. Reb Tzadok opened it; it was a personal request from the Baal Shem Tov who had passed on a number of years ago!
The Baal Shem Tov introduced the letter carrier as a once wealthy man who was now in need of financial help. He asked Reb Tzadok to help Avigdor get back on his feet. He added that in case Reb Tzadok doubted the authenticity of the letter, the following two "signs" should dispel his doubts: First, the letter would be delivered on the very first day he became president. Second, that on the same day he would become the father of a baby boy.
Reb Tzadok had just finished reading the letter when someone ran in, shouting, "Mazel Tov! Your wife just gave birth to a son!" For a moment Reb Tzadok was speechless. The saintly Baal Shem Tov had passed on several years ago, yet here was a letter he sent, which took so many years to deliver, yet was delivered just on time. Reb Tzadok turned to Avigdor and said, "I am very pleased to meet you. Be my guest this evening. We have some important business to discuss. I can use a man with your experience."
Avigdor stood there surprised and grateful. "Thank G-d! And, I will be at your house this evening, G-d willing!"
