The Secret Path of Teshuvah
As Rosh HaShanah approaches we reflect on how we can improve ourselves in the upcoming year. Yet, when we think about our flaws, sometimes we cannot imagine how we can overcome our more difficult challenges.
However, there is always something we can do to improve! Even the smallest improvement yields powerful results. Every situation can be divided into two parts -- the easy and the difficult. Some aspects of a misdeed are difficult for a person to avoid, while other aspects are easier. In fact, every misdeed has aspects that are easy to avoid.
When we plot out our teshuvah plan, the first step is to isolate the aspects of the misdeed that is easy for us to control. For example, it might be difficult to find time for us to learn Torah during the week. However, on Shabbos, it is "easy" to make time for learning. Therefore, instead of trying to tackle the difficult challenge of learning Torah during the weekdays, we pursue the easy goal of setting time to learn on Shabbos.
This approach leaves no room for despair! Since we choose to make an improvement which is in our control, it's success is absolutely attainable. We accomplish these achievable improvements, and are encouraged to take on new challenges because we have tasted success.
HaShem considers our improvements as complete repentance, in the easy aspects. Even more, since the person made the effort to master the easy aspects which are in his control, HaShem will help him master the more difficult aspects.
Visualization: Envision Rabbi Akiva going to Yeshiva at age forty, not knowing any Torah, whatsoever. Imagine how difficult and embarrassing it is for him to go to the Yeshiva and learn the basics, like a small child. Each day he overcomes his challenge by telling himself, "All you have to do today is walk into the Beis Midrash." He does what is in his control and enters the Beis Midrash. See him advancing little by little each day in his Torah studies, until ultimately he emerges as an incomparable Torah scholar and illustrious Tzadik.
(Based on the writings of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter)
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