The following is a Hasidic parable about how earning our destiny, even if the road is hard, is always better than being given something for free. Shabbat Shalom!
The rabbi of Kobryn told this story:
"When I was young I once spent Purim with my teacher Rabbi Mordecai of Lekhovitz. In the middle of the meal he cried: Today is the day of gifts, the hour for giving has come. Whoever reaches out his hand, will get from me whatever strength in the service of God he desires for himself.'
His disciples asked for a variety of spiritual gifts. Each got what he wanted and kept it.
Finally the rabbi inquired: “Well, Moshe, and what do you want?”
"I fought down my shyness and replied: 'I don't want any gratuitous gift. I want to be a common soldier and serve until I deserve what I get.' "
