THE VIP OBSTACLE COURSE
In this week Parsha, Lech l’lecha, we are introduced to our father, Avraham Avinu. From the very first story of Avraham and throughout his life he is constantly being challenged. Avraham and his life are the stem cells from which the Jewish people are formed. It would appear that the Jew must recognize that we are here on this world to deal with challenges. In truth, anyone who has traveled along the path of life for any significant amount of time already knows that life presents everyone challenges. Neither Avraham was unique in his challenge filled life, nor are the Jewish people unique with their challenge filled lives. What makes Avraham unique and what makes us unique is the manner in which we deal with our challenges.
Let me introduce you to two types of obstacle courses. The first is cheaper and not at all personalized. You buy a ticket and choose the level of difficulty. For the one who embarks on the hard course and discovers that he is unable to get through the first obstacle, he will certainly go back and ask to switch to the medium course.
The second course is extremely expensive and highly personalized. Before the course is constructed they subject the customer to a battery of tests; IQ, emotional endurance, physical endurance, cardiovascular test and many more tests. Once they have a comprehensive understanding of the customer they build a course that is specifically designed for him. There are no choices of which course to take; his course is custom made. When the fellow encounters a challenge that seems insurmountable he does not say “this is not for me”, to the contrary, he will say “Whoa! I must be able to overcome this!” He will look in the bag they gave him before embarking upon the course. He knows that he will make it; after all, it was put together by the most professional course builders.
When personal trainers subject their clients to challenges, it is for the expressed purpose of creating opportunities of growth. HaShem brought us to this world to give us opportunities of growth. He wants us to become great.
HaShem intended on creating an eternal nation that would travel through the thousands of years of world history and come out the other end viable and strong. He chose Avraham to be the progenitor of this nation. He therefore built up Avraham by presenting a series of challenges by which to develop him into the perfect father. Avraham gave his descendants the ability to face challenges with the understanding that these are opportunities of growth.
I once a met an 18 year old who had just returned back to yeshiva from a series of life-threatening procedures. His condition was difficult and his health was not in order. Nevertheless, his disposition was remarkably positive. I asked him how he maintained such a positive attitude. He replied; “If you view life as an opportunity to have fun, then I have no answer. However, when you view life as an opportunity to grow, then my answer is easy. I have grown so much through my experience. Why should I not be positive!”
May HaShem grant us the insight and understanding to recognize our challenges and give us the strength to grow from them.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind