On Learning from Children

Rabbi Zushya hungered to achieve a level of holiness that would enrich his life.  So Zushya travelled from master to master asking the same question.  One day his journey intersected withe famous Maggid.

The Maggid responded to Zushya, “You can receive your answer by observing a small child.  A child can teach you how to be happy for no particular reason. He can teach how to never be still even for a moment when you need something.  He will cry and fret until he is calmed.”

What did the Maggid mean by this?

He was talking about God and life.  Rabbi Zushya needed to understand that happiness can be found when we live in the moment and let go of what has passed.  Have you ever seen a little girl cry and then laugh two seconds later?  She does not hold on to her anger but lets it go; releasing it once the moment is gone.

Little ones are always on the move.  The smaller the child, the more active they are. 

I heard once of a football player who decided to do an experiment.  He imitated everything his four-year old did.  The child climbed the stairs on their knees, so did the father.  The child danced, the parent danced.  At the end of the day the adult was thoroughly exhausted.  Imagine, indicates the Maggid, if good people put that kind of effort into a relationship with God, doing mitzvot.  The world would not even need the Mashiach!

Finally, tots have temper tantrums.  If they do not get what they want they stamp their feet and cry.  Says the Maggid; we need to follow their example.  When we see an injustice we should shout, even scream.  When we witness evil we should be as upset and vocal as a toddler.  Can you imagine how wonderful this world would be if every time some evil act was done others began to wail and carry on like a police siren?  Bad people would soon be shut down.

Good advice, wasn’t it?