Troubles

Avraham Tzvi Schwartz

We just can't get away from it, troubles and more troubles. Just as one issue seems to come right, another raises its ugly head. That's it -- stress-filled living, moving from one struggle to another, from one headache to the next. Is that it, then? Is there no solution besides the grave? Is that when we rest?

Yes, says the Mesilas Yesharim, that's it.[1] This world is a world of tests, and we move from one test to the next. It's not enough to do the right thing -- learn Torah, pray, act kindly. We have to do it under conditions of hardship, headache.

The only solution therefore is to know that life is about tests and difficulties, and try facing them with a smile. We need to accept that (1) fighting through powerful waves is what our lives are about, and (2) specifically with such struggles, we earn our eternity.