Page 221 - BERESHIT

their ways, people then feel smug about themselves and instinctively are
complacent with their own shortcomings.

Eisav saw the greatness of Yaakov, his air of virtue and his aura of
wisdom, and remained the same. Similarly, Lavan had the opportunity to
learn from Yaakov and yet he steadfastly clung to his crooked ways,
brushing Yaakov’s righteousness aside.

Hagar became a different woman when she consented to join the
household of Avraham and subject herself to servitude. She reflected upon
the greatness of spirit found in the house of Avraham and eventually
merited to marry Avraham as a result. So too, the maidservant in the house
of Rebbi spent her working hours while doing menial chores thinking
about the purpose of Creation and the greatness of G-d. Rebbi took note
of her response to sin and concluded that she was greater than he.

It is not enough to feel inspired for the moment. We need to respond, to
translate that inspiration into action. We can stir our spirits with thoughts
of the greatness of Hashem and harness the power of inspiration. We can
change ourselves if we put our minds to it. Even simple and ordinary
people can rise to great heights by searching within themselves and
making changes in their lives.

The foundation to build good character on and help us effect changes in
our life is the Torah. Without a strong foundation, one cannot begin to
build. Armed with a background of Torah, one can use the moments of
inspiration to develop character and perfect one’s middot. Only after we
make a change in ourselves can we help others change their ways.