וישב יעקב בארץ מגורי אביו בארץ כנען (לז-א)
It was after years of aggravation in the home of Lavan, physical and spiritual battles with Esav, terrible anguish over the defilement of his daughter Dina, and much tzaar gidul banim in raising his twelve sons, that Yaakov Avinu finally wished to settle down and learn Torah in peace. But this was not to be for the tragic episode of Mechiras Yosef interrupted his peace of mind and what ensued was a very long and difficult period in the life of Yaakov Avinu. The Medrash asks: “Is it not enough that a tzaddik experiences serenity in the next world - shall he also wish to feel that peace in this world?” Why shouldn’t Hashem “fargin” Yaakov some peace and quiet? What would have been so terrible had he enjoyed tranquility and serenity?
R’ Yeruchem Levovitz zt”l explains that the purpose of life is to grow from every situation. For one to reach his personal shleimus, he must pass the tests, nisyonos, that Hashem throws at him. If he fails these tests, Hashem will send him the same tests in different forms, so avoiding the issue will not accomplish anything. Rather than seeking tranquility in his life, Yaakov should have asked Hashem - as Dovid Hamelech did - to give him the strength, wisdom and wherewithal to overcome the difficult tribulations that inevitably crop up, in order to be able to serve Hashem properly.
Our job is not to focus on how we feel about a situation, but rather to view each and every issue in life as a tool for growth. This way, we can actualize our potential and accomplish our goals - which is why we are here in the first place! So the next time you find yourself in a frustrating, upsetting or angering situation, STOP, CALM DOWN, and FOCUS on the source of your angst. Then, visualize it as an opportunity, a GIFT that Hashem is sending you, to work on yourself and overcome this nisayon. Remember, the purpose of life is not to relax, but to grow. So set your sights high to achieve your lofty goals, because in the long run, a person’s ALTITUDE in life, is determined by his ATTITUDE in life!