The day after Purim, I woke up 20 minutes later and was still the first one up on the street. At least, I thought so. As I started to say the morning blessings, I spotted ants carrying all different type of crumbs from the previous night’s Purim Seudah. They probably never saw so much food in their lives, and wanted to get a head start on their daily work. In fact, King Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs (6:6-8) concerning their work ethic:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; see her ways and become wise….O lazy one, how long will you lie [there]; when will you get up from your sleep?”
The ant’s job in this world is to teach us how to work. Did you ever see an ant just going on a stroll, or walking aimlessly? Perhaps in the comics, but not in real life. That is because, they are always busy carrying things and working. This is an important lesson for us, as there are times in our lives where we may want to remain stagnant, and just do nothing. (By the way, resting is doing something as you are recharging yourself to do more). It could very well be that we choose to stop working, because we feel we have failed. The results that we expect to get has not come yet, so we just want to call it quits.
There was once a teacher that was struggling to see success with his students, and was ready to give up his profession. The Rebbe wrote back a poignant letter inspiring the teacher to continue his work:
4 Tishrei 5716,
Brooklyn,
…”an effort is never in vain”, even if it does not succeed to the extent and in the form one would like. Moreover, for various reasons, the consequences very often do not appear until much later. Sometimes, you have to wait for the student to settle down and have a family life, which is an element of stability. So he reflects on everything he’s been through and his current situation. And, he takes into account the period during which he was under the influence of such person, in such place. The scales may thus tip in favor of the good.
Moreover, our Sages relate that Rabbi Akiva was one of the greatest Sages of the Mishnah and pillars of the Oral Law. He taught, guided, educated and led for forty years. He had twenty-four thousand great disciples…. However, for some reason, all of them died, unfortunately, and the people of Israel ran the risk of forgetting the Torah. Then, Rabbi Akiva formed five disciples, who restored all the Oral Law and spread it in Israel, in their time. Then, it was transmitted from one generation to another and it reached us, our children and our grandchildren, for eternity.
It is quite clear that our Torah is not a collection of stories. Its name is from the same etymology as Horaa, teaching. In fact, each element that constitutes it delivers a lesson, guides each and every one.
This story, in particular, is a living example, establishing that a man should use his abilities to the fullest extent possible. Whatever the event that calls into question his action, he has no right to be affected and discouraged, even if it reaches the proportions previously described, G-d forbid . In this case, the effort of many years was lost, according to what our eyes of flesh perceive. Despite this, we must pursue our sacred mission with eagerness and joy. In the end, it is certain that we will experience success……”
Keep at whatever good you are doing, as in the long run success will be achieved.
Based on a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe 4th of Tishrei 5716
