Living in today's metropolitan world of cell phones, laptops and other high-tech gadgets is not only hectic but very impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort to make more money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that if only we had a little more money, life would be so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize it wasn't enough and we need more?
What should you do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma's The Monk Says This and The Monk Says That, and they all seem to say that money is not necessary. But he is. Can you do without money and lots of it? I know I can't.
So I went to the neighborhood rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true path in life.
The rabbi nodded and led me to the window. "What do you see?" he asked me.
Immediately I replied, "I see people coming and going and a blind man is begging for alms in the left corner."
The rabbi nodded and led me to a large mirror. "Now look and tell me what you see?"
"I can see myself," I replied.
The rabbi smiles. “Now you can't see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection.
The rabbi put his arm around my shoulders. “Compare yourself to these two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw others and felt compassion for them. When you're covered in money, you only see yourself.
I looked at the rabbi and stared. "I don't understand."
The rabbi continued. "You will only become someone if you have the courage to remove the silver covering from your eyes in order to see and love others again." He patted my back and sent me on my way.
I thought about what he said and came to the conclusion that he was right. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to live without money; it is unnecessary and will only cause us and our families much heartbreak in the future.
Instead, I suggest we should follow the advice the rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a blanket of money, all we can see is ourselves. But throw that blanket down and you can see and smell everyone.
In life we are allowed and should be able to look at both types of mirrors, but we must remember that a mirror only reflects us; a window is the doorway to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don't let it deter you from life, people, children, the poor and needy.
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