MAKING ROOM FOR THE LIGHT

The great kabbalist Baal Shem Tov would often travel throughout European cities teaching and helping people, and on one such occasion he had the choice of staying at the home of a kabbalah scholar or at the home of a thief.

It might surprise you that he chose to stay at the home of the thief! Although the man was a learned scholar, he also had a big ego. The Baal Shem Tov said, “Where ever there is ego, there is no room for God.” The thief, however, even with all his negativity, did not feel he was better than anyone else. He made negative actions, but he had no ego. He had room to learn to change. But a person who thinks he has all the answers sees no need to change.

This is one of my favorite stories because it illustrates such an essential lesson for those of us on a spiritual path: Realizing we don’t know it all is a prerequisite for attaining wisdom.

This doesn’t just apply to our study of kabbalah. It is applicable to absolutely every aspect of our lives. If we walk into any situation, thinking we have all the answers, or even just believing we have great spiritual wisdom, we don’t learn the lessons the Light means for us to learn. This applies to everything from a business meeting to a simple lunch with a friend. To be a vessel, a receiver of light, we need to humble ourselves. We need to empty ourselves of our ego and our knowledge. We need to realize that every person in our lives is a messenger of Light, if only we are open to listening.

This understanding can also give us a renewed perspective when it comes to facing our challenges. Many times when we don’t have the answers or can’t find the solutions to our problems, we feel frustrated. But it’s at these precise moments when we are most open to receiving the Light by doing our spiritual work.

The more we are full of our own thoughts, the less room there is for the Light.

Empty yourself of your ideas and the Light can find its way in.

72 Name of the Week

Lamed Hey Chet
FORGET THYSELF

I am going to get out of the way and allow the tree of life to lift me up. In the past, I have been stubborn and set in my ways.

Instead of clinging to my beliefs, I will open up and allow the Light of the upper dimension to shine down into my realm, transforming my life.

Letting go of my ego and stepping aside, I feel the divine Force taking over.