The Wisdom of Repair
„That which a person is able to repair – it is good that he think about it and not be negligent in repairing it; and that which is not within his power to repair, let him not occupy himself with it constantly.”From Shemonah Kevatzim III, 360
This is one of the statements that it is important for us to remind ourselves of constantly: there are flaws that we can repair, and there we must invest our energies, persevere, and improve. And there are things that are very difficult for us. Not because they are impossible, but because they take immense powers and are liable to become the main focus of our world. If we occupy ourselves with them ceaselessly, we will waste our energy and remain without strength for the repairs that are possible and close to us. The right balance is to know when to exert oneself and fight for change, and when to let go a little in order to preserve one's mental strength. And so too regarding things that throw us off balance but are not within our control – preserve your strength!
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.