Printed fromJewishPetaluma.com
ב"ה

Too Good

Friday, 1 June, 2018 - 9:00 am

If you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, grew up with not a care in the world, and had your every whim attended to, would that be awesome?

This is what life was like in the desert. The Jews had the heavenly Manna, Miriam's well water, the Clouds of Glory shielding them from the blazing sun and venomous scorpions. They had no job to be on time for, no bills to pay, no creditors knocking on the cloud, not even wifi. They lived a life that transcended the mundane. They could dedicate their days to Torah study and spiritual pursuit.

And yet, they weren't happy. They complained. Really?! That's like taking your child to Disneyland and while on the ride with an ice cream in hand, saying I'm bored.

So here's a deeper perspective. 

While Disney might be a nice place to visit, it's not suitable for everyday life. While a 5-star resort may cater to your every need, it doesn't actually leave room for you to accomplish, to advance, to grow.

What the Jews wanted was to experience struggle, to be challenged, and to come out stronger, to be victorious.

This was ultimately not a good approach, because we shouldn't actively put ourselves in a precarious position. However, when we do face an uphill battle, and it feels like we are swimming against the tide, let's remember; Hashem placed us in this world to achieve, to accomplish, and ultimately to make ourselves and the world better than before.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!

Comments on: Too Good
There are no comments.