„...) *** Who despairs? One who hopes. Who falls flat on his face? O…”
„...) *** Who despairs? One who hopes. Who falls flat on his face? One who wants to touch the heavens. In other words, despair is the "standard mark" of the dream. Despair exposes your aspiration. The weariness and heaviness that grip a person do not grip him for no reason. Beforehand he wanted great things. He expected much of himself. He wanted to be a person of stature. He wanted to live”
in the image of God." The more he wanted — so, when his wish was frustrated, he collapsed and broke.
The brokenness testifies about him: how he perceives himself, what he yearns for, what he values. All these, despair recounts in a venomous way that can be translated into positive language. Your despair is the negative of your hope, and therefore you will learn from it its opposite — and by this you will grow stronger.
After all, you could have lived just so. You could have stayed on the sidelines. To survive. To exist. To function mechanically in this world. Had you succeeded — it would surely have been less painful. Less frustrating. But you are not willing to be one of those who decreed death upon themselves in their lifetime. You desire life. You expect a great truth to be realized in your life. You expect the fulfillment of your body, your soul, your spirit. Constant discovery. Inner alertness. Therefore do not be surprised at despair. It is the exclusive lot of those who hope and yearn for a different life. Do not slacken because of it. It is the necessary price for the demand of greatness.
A good week to all!
This time the words are taken from Rabbi Yuval Freund.
For the recovery of Roza bat Bova.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.