Expensive Freebies
Last week I walked into a store to buy something. As I was leaving, the manager handed to me a generous promotional gift saying: "This is for you".
On my way back home I couldn't help but think of how nice the manager was to me. The freebie was something I've always wanted, he was a really kind person. However in the back of my mind I knew that although it was a gift, it was not for free.
The next time I will be faced with the decision of where to shop there won't be a question in my mind, my gift provider had won me over. I am no longer a free man with the option of shopping at the store with the best prices. The bribe worked.
The freebies, gifts and clearance sales although they benefit the customer, their ultimate intent is not to bestow kindness upon the buyer, their true purpose is for the advancement of the business by creating good will so you will frequent more often or to lure you back to the store. Freebies are not so free after all.
Ever thought about all the free gifts we receive from G-D? Life, Air, Food, Every limb and it's function, All of our materialistic needs, ... Only one difference, The Talmud tells us, "G-D does not operate like a person of flesh and blood" (Talmud Pesachim 119). Or in the words of Prophet Isaiah "My ways are not your ways says G-D" (Isaiah 55).
When G-d gives freebies it is done from a place of pure goodness without a hidden agenda. Yes G-D wants us to return the favour and live our lives according to his will however, as we say in the Shabbos prayer "He gives food to all flesh for his kindness is everlasting". "He is good and does good to the wicked and to the good" (High Holiday liturgy). G-D continues to provide even when we do not live up to his will. The freebies continue to come.
G-D wants a real relationship with us and not one based on "I better do this or else I won't receive...".
A beautiful time of the day is the early morning when it is just getting light, the birds are chirping and the day's potential is yet to be realized. Try this: open up a prayer book to the very beginning and say the morning blessings. Don't just say them but try to think into what you are saying. The 20 blessings are meant to raise awareness of all the things we usually take for granted, All of our limbs and organs working so harmoniously with each other, our eyesight, our needs, our freedom etc.
All the freebies we receive from Hashem on a day to day basis.
Through meditating on the benevolence of G-D, we will develop our relationship and have greater appreciation and closeness to the Master of the universe.
As for the store manager, he did win me over but only till I get my next promotional gift from some other manager.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yanky Berger
ב"ה