MITZVAH MINUTE: Joy - Be Happy!

B"H


Shevat 29, 5772 * February 22, 2012

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MITZVAH MINUTE
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Joy
Be Happy!

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"Serve G-d with joy!" sings the Psalmist.

Joy is central to connecting to G-d. Being happy when you do a mitzvah demonstrates that you like this connection, this tremendous privilege of serving the Infinite Author of All Things. And in fact, the Arizal, 16th-century master Kabbalist, once asserted that the gates of wisdom and divine inspiration were opened for him only as a reward for doing mitzvahs with boundless joy.

Not just mitzvahs, but everything you do—eating, sleeping, business, and even leisure activities—can be part of the way you connect to G-d. All it takes is the right intentions. If so, "serve G-d with joy" applies to all times and every situation. "Serve G-d with joy!" actually applies to all times and situations

When you're happy, the toughest tasks are a cinch, the strongest adversaries are easily vanquished. If you're down, on the other hand, even simple challenges seem overwhelming. Winning the lifelong battle against temptations, self-centeredness and just doing the right thing is largely dependent on staying bright, happy and optimistic. A happiness meditation:

* Envision being given the opportunity to host your nation's head of state in your humble home. Picture how overjoyed and excited you'd be at the honor.
* Consider G-d's unfathomable greatness.
* Take another moment to appreciate how small and insignificant you are by comparison.
* Contemplate now how He loves and cherishes you.
* Consider how, when you do a mitzvah, you cause Him to dwell with us here in our world—and you get to host Him!
* Let a sense of purpose lend bounce to your step as you go about your daily activities. And one more:

* Recognize that all that transpires is part of G-d's plan, and that G-d is in control.
* Understand that no evil could emanate from G-d—for He is entirely good.
* Feel secure in the knowledge that everything is exactly as it is supposed to be, and Someone is looking out for you.


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