You're Essentially Good
A theme that's been revolving this week is the notion that we are essentially good.
At a funeral this week someone mentioned that most people are essentially good. Stay away from those that are malicious. Have compassion on those that are good but have stuff that gets in the way.
At a conference where I presented å Jewish perspective on recovery, the topic was compassion and understanding for those that struggle with substance use because they are just like me and you only more so.
And in this week's Torah portion Nadav and Avihu pass on because they brought a "strange fire" to Hashem. Surprisingly Moshe tells Aaron that Nadav and Avihu are holier than they (Moses and Aaron). That is because their desire was a holy one, and they had not been commanded yet, to not take their desire for Divine connection to the extreme where the soul leaves the body.
The yearning each of us possess for purpose, meaning and connection is the essence of who we are. We have other "stuff" that gets in the way.
Two (maybe three) ingredients for success in life are:
1. Recognize that it is only "stuff". Then we are able to rise above it and be connected to Hashem and our purpose.
2. Remember, over and over again, that you are essentially good. That's your truth and your true identity.
3. Keep on trying, never give up. We weren't put on this earth to achieve perfection (that's the destination), we were put here to journey the journey. Each and every day!
Good Shabbos!
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