4515 —הכרת הברכות ושמירה על השקפה חיובית

B"H, 8th of Tammuz, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

From time to time I inquire and receive regards from you through your children, may they live. I am surprised by what they convey to me—that your mood is not as it should be. In general, each of us, when we look into and reflect upon our lives—even just the past few years—will see the kindnesses of Hashem Yisbarach, even in matters where we did not expect it. And even more than someone else can point out to us—each person knows this within themselves.

This should lead a person to recognize the blessing from Hashem Yisbarach that they have received—perhaps many times—even without having worked for it. From this one must come to the conclusion that if there are matters that are not as one wishes, firstly—it is very often the case that a person does not know what is truly best for them, and whether what they want will actually be good for them or the opposite. And even if one assumes with certainty that they are correct and it would be good for them, still we do not know the reasons why, for now, it is not being given.

This is like in business: an experienced merchant does not sell merchandise at an unsuitable time—even if there is profit—if he calculates that at another time the profits will be much greater. So too with the goodness from Hakadosh Baruch Hu: if it is being withheld, it is surely because at another time it will come in a greater way and measure.

Especially in your situation—that Hashem Yisbarach gives you true nachas from your children (which is rare among Americans), and together with your wife tichyeh you can expect even more nachas—therefore to go around dissatisfied (which could be interpreted as dissatisfaction chas v'shalom with how Hashem Yisbarach conducts your affairs) is entirely incomprehensible and to some extent an ingratitude toward Hashem Yisbarach.

Of course, my writing this letter to you is not to rebuke you but to convince you that even according to your own reckoning, the good you have is incomparably greater and more important than those things which you think are temporarily lacking. And a merchant making an accounting does not calculate each item separately but makes an overall balance of his inventory.

I hope these few lines will move you to review once again your "reckonings," and then I am sure you will arrive at a much happier overall conclusion.

May Hashem Yisbarach grant you and your wife that for long good years you should engage in matters of tzedakah and mitzvos in general, with much true nachas from children and grandchildren.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to focus on our blessings and trust in Hashem's plan. Even when things seem lacking, recognizing past kindnesses leads to gratitude and joy. True happiness comes from appreciating what we have while believing that future goodness awaits us.