Chosen People Class #6

[Devora1]

We learned why different people are given different roles.  How would you inspire one that felt they have been dealt an insignificant task?

[Seema1]

There is no such thing as an insignificant task.  Each part is important to the whole. 
Many examples to illustrate that point have been given.

For example;
the mashal of the jigsaw puzzle - each piece important in the whole picture but not necessarily important looking on its own.
the mashal of someone who signs up for a woodworking workshop in a camp - given the tools she needs for that class, she glances longingly and with jealously at the colorful yarns that her roomate has for her knitting class.  But she does want to take the woodworking class and she has the tools she needs for that.  The tools Hashem gives us in this world are what we need to accomplish what we are here to accomplish.  Any mission that Hashem sends us on is significant.

Another example; the Cohanim had a special position in Klal Yisroel serving in the Bais Hamikdash.  No one would say that their task was insignificant.  If you examine many of their tasks - they were much like home mantainance - that many women consider to be SO insignificant.  a woman's role in her home (her mikdash m'at) is as significant as the role of the Cohanim in the Bais Hamikdash.

The question is - Significant to whom? To the secular world? To my neighbor? My mother in law? or whoever?  The significance of one's task is how significant it is to Hashem.  Each of us are significant - "bishvili nivra haolam". No one else can fulfill my role and if Hashem created me with my specific "tools" that's what I need to accomplish Hashem's will.

We don't necessarily know what our task is and we are not malachim that only have one mission.  We each have a lot of potential to accomplish great and significant things - many of which only Hashem is aware of. 

Seema

[Tikvah]

I heard a story about this once. I don't remember who the Rav was or the details but it goes something like this:

A big Rabbi said to the street cleaner, "You are so lucky, I wish I could have your job."

"My job!?"

"You get to beautify Hashem's world by keeping it neat and clean."



Still it can sometimes be hard to see your task as important. I think many women have a hard time while taking care of their small children.  It is very important!!!!!!!!!!!!!  but it is sometimes very hard to remember that when it seems like you can't seem to get anything done or spend the whole day without adult conversation.

Tikvah