Imagine your father is the king and you are next in line to take the throne. People say, "You got it made." Then, a great man emerges whom is better suited than you to reign. What would you do? Yonason, the son of King Shaul, had this exact challenge. He was destined to inherit the throne. Yet, David arose and proved to be more worthy of the kingship. Yonason responded by befriending, supporting, and loving David. Where did he find the moral strength to act with such dignity? Yonason had one singular goal: fulfill the will of HaShem. His passion to serve HaShem, empowered him to always reach for the higher good.
Lesson: Each one of us wants to be true to our own values. Yet, there are many forces in life that make it a great challenge. Like ego and envy, just to name a few. The good news is there is something that gives us the control. A solid spiritual commitment empowers us with the clarity to cut through all the fluff and do the right thing
Visualization: Envision Yonason going out to a field to reflect on his life and seek the light. See him befriend David and become lifelong, inseparable friends. Follow Yonason's footsteps. Take some quiet time and mediate on your personal situation, issues, and choices. Find the truth and be bold enough to act with purity, confidence, and integrity.
(Based on the commentary of Rabenu Yonah to Pirkei Avos 5:16)
