Living in today's metropolitan world of cellular phones,
mobile computers and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very
impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more
money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times
have we convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be
so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it wasn't
enough and that we need more?
What Should You Do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma's Monk
says this and the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not
necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can't.
So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice
that will help me find my true way in life.
The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. "What do
you see?" he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, "I can see people walking to and
fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner."
The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. "Now
look and tell me what you see?"
"I can see myself," I answered.
The Rabbi smiled. "Now you can't see anyone else. The
mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but
because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver when you look
at it, all you can see is your own reflection."
The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. "Compare
yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the
other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver,
you see only yourself."
I looked at the Rabbi and stared. "I don't
understand."
The Rabbi continued. "You will become someone only if
have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again
see and love others." He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion
that he had a point. Yes. We need the money and we should not aim to lead a
moneyless existence; it’s pointless and will only cause us and our families
many heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the
Rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able
to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and
feel everyone else.
Conclusion:
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at
both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a
window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek
wealth by all means, but don't let it dissuade you from life, people, children
and the poor and needy.
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