Rearrangement

reflections: Likutei Amarim, middle of chapter 29

If we return to H’Shem, He will return to us (Malachi 3:7, Jeremiah 29:12). As we follow through with a sincere teshuva (repentance; literally, “turning”) in our lives, H’Shem will meet us halfway, in our efforts to return to Him through a thorough shift in our values, and lifestyle. We should examine ourselves each day for the sake of rooting out past sinful habits. Our thoughts should be examined as well as our emotions. Only with help from Above, may we purge ourselves of the accumulation of spiritual darkness that surrounds us as a result of our transgressions. B’ezrach H’Shem.

Thus, this is an ongoing process; additionally, there are levels of teshuvah, inasmuch that the more we change over time, the more we are able to better recognize our faults and make amends for them. This is spiritual progress, based upon an inward desire to cleanse the soul: even to the extent that we may be free, figuratively speaking, from the mire wherein we would otherwise sink. King David’s concern for his sanctity is a positive example, as he said, “My sin is constantly before me,” inasmuch that his recollection of past sins kept him humble and served as a reminder against committing these types of sins in the future.

If only we could be so careful as to recognize that all aspects of our life should fall under the guidance of Torah. In like manner that the Kings of Israel were required to keep a copy of the Torah at hand all of the time, who are we to think that we can do as we please, regardless of the guidelines given to us for a life of sanctity. For the sake of character development, one method of travailing in sincere efforts to change, would be to focus upon a single fault, making an effort to root that out of our lives. There is no better time than now; and no need to put off this resolution.