RABBI SHIMON GRUEN
WHAT AM I SAVING?
The Akeidah was a tremendous expression of Avraham Avinu’s dedication to Hashem. The Kozhnitzer Maggid, in Avodas Yisrael, explains that beyond his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Hashem took away all his madreigos and feeling for the avodah. Had he felt that he was accomplishing something extraordinary, drawing closer to Hashem and creating a zechus for generations, that itself would have sustained him and made the nisayon easier. Instead, he proceeded with temimus, simply because Hashem had commanded him. This made his avodah all the greater.
You can sometimes notice this in shul. Some people clearly appreciate the opportunity to speak to Hashem; they seem to be enjoying the experience and davening with passion. Others seem to have little feeling for davening, yet continue coming day after day. It is easy to notice what is lacking in their tefillah and overlook the dedication involved in continuing an avodah that gives them so little enjoyment, but perhaps doing something that one has yet to develop a feeling for is, in some way, even more meaningful.
In our relationships as well, investing in shalom bayis and chinuch habanim can be fulfilling and rewarding when we appreciate the connection with our spouse and children. At other times, we do what is right without having that feeling, simply because it is right. Those efforts can be especially meaningful and commendable.