Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Greatest Trail

To paraphrase a great quote – it's not what the view looks like from the top that counts, but how you climb the trail that really matters.

As anyone remembers from the last time they stirred off the couch or the computer chair to hike a trail or a mountain climb – there is a certain thrill, a proprietary feeling of accomplishment and possession when we finish or reach the top. The view just wouldn’t be the same if we hadn't sweated our way up there.

Why ?

Because a view that is given to you with no effort represents just a minute of your time – "look, here is a minute – isn't it beautiful ?! OK, let's move on …". A view that you have been climbing towards for an hour is that much greater because it encapsulates all that investiture. And for several hours or even days – all the more so.

But, the thrill and nachas of the accomplishment fade. Even the greatest peaks in our toil still gradually move to the background of our consciousness. What makes the longest lasting impression ? The effort itself.

This also distinguishes the 'men from the boys'. The lesser person will push himself solely for the goal – and may often as not find that it does not live up to his demanding expectations. The greater pursuant – he will give it his all, not just because he wants to finish, but also because he sees the effort as a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself. The true measure of the person becomes, not the ability to attain the goal, but rather – the affection they feel for the effort. The lesser one will hate every step – seeing it as a cumbersome toll to be grudgingly given. The greater one will cherish the effort itself – understanding that the effort and goal are a package deal.

This is the meaning of Rashi's comment ( from the Medrash ) "If you shall walk in My laws [Vayikra 26:3] – this is referring to toil in Torah study".

When we recognize that the trail to Torah knowledge and observance has the most breathtaking summit – we become true devotees, not only of the peaks – but of the grueling trail all along the way.

Hatzlacha !!

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