A wealthy man was set to embark on a lengthy journey to a distant land. He therefore packed many belongings, as well as food for the way, piling everything into his magnificent stagecoach.
Prior to his journey, he summoned his loyal servant and exclaimed, “I am leaving my home for an extended period of time, and I am appointing you to faithfully watch over it. I have but one request: that you take extraordinary care of my private office, as its contents are very dear to me. Please take extra-special care of it!” The servant agreed, and the wealthy man boarded his stagecoach and set off.
When the clouds of dust that the stagecoach had generated had settled, the servant entered the house and thought, “I am extremely curious as to why my master was so adamant that I guard his private office; an item of great value must be hidden inside.”
The servant entered the wealthy man’s office and a huge wooden chest sitting in the corner immediately caught his eye.
The servant opened the chest and beheld a most fabulous treasure consisting of silver and gold vessels, precious gems, and pearls. But much to his bewilderment, the entire treasure was covered with mud.
“How odd,” the servant thought to himself. “On one hand, my master cautioned me to take special care of his precious treasure, yet on the other hand, he himself is so careless with it that he allows it to become filthy with mud.”
So it is with man when the time comes to stand in judgment before the Heavenly Court, the innermost chambers of his heart are examined: Were the thoughts in his heart pure, and did he serve G-d with reverence and honesty? For the heart is the most precious treasure contained within man’s body, and if it is revealed that his heart is covered with filth and mud, it is a clue to the common thoughts that fill it.
How terrible will his humiliation and shame be at that moment.
Therefore, one should ask the Holy One, blessed be He each and every day, ” Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the L-rd rejoice. (1 Chronicles 16:10) May He turn our hearts to Him, to walk in obedience to Him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. (1 Kings 8:58) My shield is G-d Most High, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10) But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. (Psalm 13:5)”
“Master of the World, please make our hearts contain only love and a feeling of service for You and not any alien thoughts!”
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)