Satisfied With His Lot
A man once approached me and related that he had three daughters of marriageable age. However, he did not have the large amount of money necessary to marry them off and provide for their trousseaus and living quarters. He himself did not own his house, but rented it.
“Would you like my financial assistance?” I asked.
“Not at all. I do not want to take charity from people. All I ask for is good advice and a blessing in the merit of your holy fathers, that Hashem should open the gates of livelihood and Siyata di’Shemaya. He should send me an abundance of blessing so that I can support my family and marry off my daughters honorably.”
I suddenly remembered that this Jew lived near a wealthy man who would surely help him with a generous donation. I reminded him about his rich neighbor.
But he shook his head. “Baruch Hashem, my neighbor is successful, and I wish him continued success. But I refuse to take a penny of charity. Hashem has enough to give me from His hand.”
When I heard the words of pure faith coming from the mouth of this innocent man, I was very moved. I was also touched by the fact that he was not the least bit jealous of his rich neighbor. Although he himself is pitifully poor, he does not envy that which others have.
I turned to him and said, “I am certain that in the merit of your perfect faith and the fact that you are satisfied with your lot, Hashem will send you blessing in abundance. You will yet marrying off your daughters honorably. Remove all worrisome thoughts from your heart. Hashem has plenty of ways of fulfilling your wishes and giving you what you need.”
