I know a Yid who is constantly zocheh to supernatural success. Whatever he touches turns to gold. He has nachas from his children as well, and he succeeds in finding them the best shidduchim. It is something really special and rare.
This Yid did not always have it easy. He was not born with a golden spoon in his mouth, and not even a silver spoon. In fact, it was just the opposite. He was born to a father whom it was very difficult to respect, a father with various issues that influenced his behavior toward his children and toward other people. But this Yid, back when he was young, was zocheh to adopt a very clear and correct outlook, and to realize that he had received a nisayon in order to withstand it. Instead of the reality of his life destroying him, it built him up. He accepted upon himself to do the mitzvah of honoring his parents, and he honored his father with true mesirus nefesh.
While other children in the family distanced themselves from their father, he made the extra effort to give him respect and to try to fulfill his needs as much he was able. He even did things that, according to halachah, he was not obligated to do, but his heart was overflowing with gratitude toward the father who had brought him into the world, despite his personal challenges. He allowed himself to even be shamed when he was near his father, so as not to take away from his father’s kavod.
Although we do not know the Heavenly accountings, and no one can really claim it is because of this, it is obvious that, of the entire family, it is specifically he who was zocheh to tremendous success in life in ways that cannot compare to that of his brothers.
The Komarna Rebbi said that one must believe in Hashem and love every other Jew even if that person does bad things to him and embarrasses him. There is no happenstance in the world, and everything is according to the Heavenly decree. This shame will heal your soul more effectively than a hundred thousand fasts and efforts of self-denial.
Accepting shame – that is a difficult thing. There are nisyonos that are meant to be difficult, even very difficult, and even very, very difficult, but we do not remain in the situation of the nisayon forever. “He put an end to the darkness.” Ultimately, the kavod will come, and good days are on their way. Today may be difficult, but it’s worthwhile for the good and wonderful tomorrow that will come. And there is a “tomorrow” that comes much later. Sometimes we see results after a week, sometimes after a year, and sometimes after forty years.
There is always goodness hidden within the difficulty, and anyone who utilizes his nisayon in order to uplift himself merits eternal life.
Gut Shabbat
Pinchas Shefer
Parshas Mishpatim -Terumah 5784 ■ Issue 158
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