Have you ever noticed how life has perfect timing? Just when you think you can finally relax, another challenge appears.
This week, I faced this personally. Should I make a whirlwind 32-hour trip to Toronto for a family bar mitzvah? After returning, should I immediately jump into another celebration of the Chassidic Holiday 19 Kislev?
My ego (my desire for control?) wanted one thing, but my authentic self - my soul - pushed for another.
Like a peaceful lake that masks turbulent depths below, our desire for "peace and quiet" might actually be avoiding necessary growth and authentic self-discovery. True tranquility isn't about avoiding challenges. It's about finding peace within them. It's about recognizing, as Jacob did when he said, "Surely G-d is in this place, and I did not know," that sometimes our greatest moments of growth come precisely when we let go of our ego and trying to control everything.
The chaos in our lives isn't happening TO us - it's happening FOR us. Each challenge is an invitation to peel away the layers of who we think we should be and discover who we truly are.
Next time life throws you a curveball just as you're settling in for some "peace and quiet," ask yourself: Is this an invitation to find a deeper, more authentic tranquility?
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. What helps you find authentic tranquility in challenging times?