A Thought For the Week

These weeks we read Torah descriptions of Abraham and Sarah, and their lives.
Abraham searched for the Divine his entire life. Then, at age 75, G-d reached out for him, telling him to go to Israel. Later, at age 99 (!) G-d tells him that he needs to be circumcised (while his descendants would begin implementing that ritual at eight days of age).
This week's Torah portion opens with Abraham, days after the circumcision procedure, standing at the door of his tent. Then "and G-d appeared to him....".
Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneerson (1861 - 1920) was the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe. When he was a young boy of four or five, he learned about the opening scene we just described.
The young child went to his grandfather (Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the third Rebbe) and complained. Why, he asked, does G-d appear to Abraham; after all, the Almighty hasn't appeared to him, young Sholom Dovber?
Rabbi Menachem Mendel answered: When a ninety-nine year old man decides to follow G-d's word and circumcise himself, with all the pain that entails, he is deserving of Divine revelation.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel taught his grandson, and us all, a very important lesson. What we do in life is critical. But the actions themselves don't necessarily lift us above our human path. We're just following the normal path at a higher speed or altitude.
However, when a person has self-sacrifice for a higher purpose, when someone elevates principle above comfort to do something for one's Creator, that catapults him to a different level.
Abraham did lots of good things. When he did good things despite the pain, he was ready for a new chapter in his spiritual development.
This applies to all of us.
We need to focus on our North Star, our higher values, and forge ahead in that direction, despite the obstacles.
We can do it. I know that to be true.
After all, it runs in the family.

Shabbat Shalom,