This is a wonderful story from the Kabbalists and a great reminder to us all.
A few hundred years ago there lived an innkeeper. He would always offer
scholars, sages and teachers a clean place to stay and a warm meal to eat.
Later in his life he felt compelled to study spirituality and immerse
himself in meditation and prayer. He gave the inn to his son so he, himself,
could pursue what he thought was a more spiritual life.
His son was more business-minded than charitable, and as time went by, it
became clear that the son was not following in his father’s compassionate
footsteps.
One of the greatest kabbalists of that generation tracked down the old
innkeeper and asked him about the sudden change in management of the inn. The
innkeeper explained, “I’ve taken care of this inn for decades, as my father
did before me. But now, in my old age, I worry about my own spiritual
advancement and wanted to take time to connect with the Creator before my time
is up in this world.”
To that, the kabbalist responded: “When people would come to your inn, you
invited them in, fed them, and gave them a respectable place to rest on
their journey. You made a great effort to see to their comfort and ease.
This, my friend, was your purpose in this world. When you get upstairs no one
will ask you why you didn’t memorize ancient texts or achieve spiritual
greatness.”
“You came into this world to help all of us do our jobs. And because you
allowed us to do our jobs better, you receive all the blessings, energy and
connection to the Creator, from the study and spiritual work that we do.
For you, 100 years of studying will not reveal as much goodness and Light as
one night of care that you gave these sages.”
The innkeeper thanked the kabbalist, and returned to work at the inn. He
cultivated in his son a respect for spirituality, as well as the bottom line.
Each and every one of us has a specific task in this world. If we
accomplish this task we reveal maximum Light for ourselves and the world. It’s not
everyone’s destiny to be a scholar or a spiritual guide. Each person has to
find their spot, their unique piece of the puzzle, where they’re doing and
giving their most.
That’s often in the most ordinary ways, and ordinary places.