Before Sukkos, we were very much involved in purchasing the Arba Minim, and especially concerned about getting the most beautiful Esrog. An Esrog represents the Talmid Chochom, and also symbolizes a heart. Le'chatchila, you aim for the top in Avodas Hashem, and daven with your whole heart.
However, at the end of Yom Tov, we suddenly discard all the Arba Minim and the “Arava” becomes “Mr. Everything”! The Arava symbolizes a lack of Torah and Ma’asim Tovim; Mr. Zero, who doesn’t smell good or taste good. And we beautify this nobody Arava (by trying to get the most beautiful Aravos) who is “taking over the show”!
At first you try your best in Avodas Hashem, like the #1 of Arba Minim, the Esrog. But in the end, you have to learn to appreciate even the weakest part of you. The dry Tefila without any feeling or Kavana has to be enhanced and appreciated and respected. Only Aravos are called: הוֹשַענוֹת “Hoshanos”; i.e., those who really help! Dwight D. Eisenhower was the commander in chief of the USA who won WWII against Hitler, Y'mach Sh'mo. He said that before battle he does tremendous work in doing everything with the right strategy, and all kinds of plans of action. In the end, when the battle actually starts, all his plans go nowhere, and you’re on your own and are forced into whatever works. General Patton echoed that he had the same experiences. L'havdil, in Avodas Hashem we start-off aiming for Gadlus, and it’s a Mitzva to aspire for Gadlus (see Bircas Shmuel). But be prepared to be forced to change course at some point, and don’t get depressed! This is Ratzon Hashem! (Moshe didn’t get Eretz Yisroel, and Dovid couldn’t build the Bais Hamikdash). R’ Yaakov Galinsky Zatzal told me that in Avodas Hashem, getting a: צָחֱמֶה שְלֹש אוֹ יעַבֹרְ fraction of your wishes is fine.
The Kotzker Rebbe said that there is nothing as whole as a broken heart. אֶבֶן מָאֲסוּ הַבוֹנִים הָיְתָה לְר אש פִנָה תהלים קיח כב the one who is rejected and disgusting becomes the main and most important part!
