A Joyous Reflection
Imagine a man, out for a walk, finds an abandoned baby laying on the roadside. He pities the child and takes him home. He feeds the child and lovingly cares for his every need. Day in and day out, he raises the child, as if he were his very own. When the child reaches maturity, he holds great appreciation for his redeemer. Undoubtedly, he will comply with every request that his surrogate father asks of him.
Lesson: It is appropriate for us to reflect that HaShem created us, bringing us from non-existence to existence. He owed no favor to us, rather He created us out of His pure kindness. He formed us into a noble being, far more worthy than the animals and vegetation. He protects us and provides our needs, every second of our lives. How fitting it is for man to hold sincere gratitude to his Creator, and make every effort to fulfill His will.
App: Engage in a daily reflection on your existence and HaShem's unabated kindness and compassion to you. The more we consider that HaShem has continuously cared for us, from our inception to this very day, the more our hearts are filled with gratitude to HaShem. And the more we are inspired to make all of our actions pleasing to HaShem.
(Based on Chovos HaLevavos, Sha'ar Cheshbon HaNefesh)
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