Monday, December 15, 2008

Which Pocket, Lord?

Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshis'cha (1765-1827) said that everyone should have two pockets: one to contain, “I am but dust and ashes,” [Gen. 18:27] and the other to contain, “The world was created for my sake.” [Sanhedrin 37a] At certain times, we must reach into one pocket; at other times, into the other. The secret of correct living comes from knowing when to reach into which.

I keep such “pockets” on my computer where I have both an “I-love-me file” and a “humility file.” (I refuse to call it an I-hate-me file.) In the former are all the things I’m proudest of, starting with my Fulbright Grant. In the latter I put all the disappointments, including grants I didn’t get and other rejections that still sting. When I’m feeling down I look at my I-love-me file for a little encouragement. When I’m feeling a bit too smug I peek, very quickly, at my humility file.

Which pocket today, Lord?

1 comment:

  1. Professor Moger, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. It's great to see you in the blogosphere. I really look forward to reading more of what you have to write.

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