(I got this in an email, but I think it's a nice reminder of an important perspective to keep in mind when we struggle)
I am writing this letter to let you know what I think of you. Up here in
heaven things are not like they are down on Earth. Over there, people only
know what they can see. If they see a person is "successful", they think
that he is the greatest guy. When they see somebody struggling, they think
he might be one of the weaker elements.
Let me tell you something. Hashem gives every person certain abilities that
nobody knows about down where you live. Some people are capable of
tremendous things, while others were put there for much smaller purposes.
Only Hashem in His infinite wisdom is able to give every person exactly what
he needs, to reach his potential.
I am very misunderstood. Most people hate me, and I don't really blame them
Most people think that my job is to make sure that they fall in all aspects
of Mitzvos, and that I rejoice every time they sin. This is the furthest
thing from the truth. Did you ever watch a boxing coach train his student?
It is really a funny sight. The coach will put on gloves, and fight against
his student. At first, he won't hit him so hard, or throw his best punches.
But, as the student gets better and better, the coach will start to fight
him harder and harder. He does this so that the student will improve his
skills, and become the best boxer he can be. This is where it gets strange.
Every time the coach knocks down the student, the student gets yelled at!!
But finally, when the coach threw everything he has at his student, and not
only does he withstand the beating, but he knocks the coach down, there is
nobody in the world happier then the coach himself!
This is exactly how I feel. If you fail right away, and don't even try to
fight back, I see that there is not much talent to work with, and so I take
it easy on you. But if you get back up swinging, I realize that I may have a
real winner here, and so I start to intensify the beating. With every level
that you go up, I increase the intensity of the fight. If you finally deal
me a blow that knocks me out, I will get up and embrace you and rejoice with
your success.
Sometimes my job is very disappointing I see a person with a lot of
potential and I start right in on him. He fights back for a while, but when
the fight gets too tough, he quits and just remains on whatever level he was
on. (And he usually ends up going down!) I feel like yelling at him, "Get up
you fool! Do you have any idea how much more you could be accomplishing?!"
But I am not allowed to do so. I just leave him alone, and go try to find
another promising candidate.
If I have chosen you to be the target of my more fierce battles, it was not
for no reason! You have tremendous ability! You were born into a very
special family, you have Rabbeim who really care about you, and parents who
would help you grow in Torah and Mitzvos. You are a very respectful and kind
person.
I am writing to you now, because I have a very serious request to ask of
you. Please don't stop fighting! Don't give up! I have been beating too many
people lately, and I am losing patience, Believe in yourself, because I
would not be involved with you as much as I am if I didn't think you could
beat me. Know what your strengths are! A great Rabbi once said: "Woe is to
he who doesn't know his weaknesses. But, 'Oy Vavoy' to him who doesn't know
his strengths - for he will not have anything with which to fight."
Always remember one thing: you have a secret weapon at your disposal. I
shouldn't really be telling you - but I will anyway. Hashem himself is
watching our "training" sessions very closely. I'm pleased to inform you
that He's rooting for you! If things should ever get tough, almost too tough
to bear, just callout to Him with a prayer, and He will immediately come to
your aid. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope that after 120 years when
your time is up in that world of falsehood, you will come up here to the
world of truth, where I will be waiting for you with open arms, to
congratulate you on your victory, and personally escort you to your place
next to the Kisey HaKavod.
Sincerely, and with great admiration I remain
Your Yetzer Hara
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