Yaakov and Esav: What exactly is going on over here? What is their story, and where is the "crossroads" from which Yaakov Avinu became Yaakov Avinu and Esav haRasha became Esav haRasha?
Says Rebbi Yerucham Levovitz z"l at the very beginning of his sefer: You want to know the difference between the tzadik (righteous) and the rasha (wicked)? One thing: koach hatzi'or ("ability to envision"). The power of imagination, the ability to make the Next World real and This World fake, to recognize that anything other than Hashem Himself is nothing other than an illusion. Ein od milvado. (And watch the miracles pour in!)
How many people live their lives chasing nothingness upon nothingness, all thanks to one thing: lack of hisbonenus and introspection, giving time to think about why we are here and what is our unique mission. Rabosie, we are allowed to think! (with a private rebbi). And it is actually highly recommended!
One more thing: zikui harabim (outreach). Get involved in spreading the light, each person in their own way. U'matzdikei harabim kakochavim l'olam va'ed (Doniel 12:3), "And those that help the public will be like ever-shining stars."
Story:
The Alter from Novardok z"l once spoke to a working man about the greatness of Torah, and of giving some time each day for it (even just a little bit, but b'kvius, with consistency). The man responded: "But what will be with parnasa (livelihood)? What, do they throw 'manna from Heaven'?"
Said the Alter z"l: "Yes, that is exactly what they do—just that nobody is interested..."
(That being said, just like with everything else, number-one is menuchas hanefesh and inner-calmness and happiness, so each person has to figure out for themselves what works for them individually to get there, and what "recipe" and "balance" actually brings them closer to Hashem).
