Questions To Rabbi Mandel
Accept The Pain That Hashem Gives You
Question: Dear Rabbi Mandel, my suitcase has been lost for over 2 weeks. I have tried every Segula and Tefila, and listened to Chizuk of Bitachon on Rabbi Golombeck’s line, etc. I am wondering what I can possibly still do as a Zechus in order to get back the suitcase. The reason why I really want it so badly is because it’s full of other people’s stuff, which I brought back with me to Eretz Yisroel as a favor for them. I know that everything is in the hands of Hashem, and that it’s all for the best. I just want to know what you think the message here is?
Answer: Your job is nothing more than doing the best you can in finding the suitcase; after that, you have to just forget about the whole thing. Don’t get stressed out. Yes, it’s important to be responsible, and you ARE being responsible. But in this world, there is something much more important than being responsible, and that is accepting the pain that Hashem gives you. Everyone in this world has to have some pain, or else you belong in Shamayim with the Malachim. This is a pain Hashem is giving you, and your job is to accept it and laugh it off.
Try to be nice to these people whose things got lost. You can apologize, and tell them that you tried your best. Maybe give them a gift, and then move on. This is the real Bitachon that the Chovos Halvavos talks about, that if someone asks you for something and you cannot do it, you apologize and move on. Don’t get stressed. It’s all the Yetzer Hara! It’s all about getting Kavod! You think that what’s bothering you is about being responsible. Being responsible is just using your head, and trying your best; not doing something more. You are turning into a basket case, and you have to be on guard for this. You are being too nice and too serious. Being a mensch is fine, but don’t commit suicide while you’re at it. Send those people chocolates showing you care. But don’t lose it!
