Chicago Police Sergeants' Association

Rabbi Moshe Wolf

'Things Aren't Always What They Seem'....................

The age old question keeps coming up as topic of conversation, 'why do bad things happen to
good people?' .I don't have the full answer but one thing I know for sure, 'Things aren't always
what they seem'. Let me explain with a short parable......

Two traveling Angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was
rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.

Instead the Angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard
floor, the older Angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger Angel asked why, the older Angel replied...'Things aren't always what they
seem.'

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and
his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the Angels sleep in their bed where
they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning, the Angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their
only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger Angel was infuriated and asked the older Angel, 'How could you have let this
happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him' she accused. 'The second family had
little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die.'

'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older Angel replied. 'When we stayed in the basement
of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so
obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find
it.

'Then last night, as we slept in the farmers bed, the Angel of Death came for his wife, I gave the
Angel of Death the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem.- End of parable....

Sometimes this is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you
have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage or benefit. You
might not know it until some time later or sometimes never.

Think about this:

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight: just remember the homeless family who has no
bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic: don't despair. There are people in this world for whom
driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work: think of the man who has been out of work for the last three
months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad: think of the person who has never known what
it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend: think of the person in dire straits, working
twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for the few dollars to feed their family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance think of the paraplegic who
would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror: think of the cancer patient in chemotherapy who
wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking 'what is my
purpose': be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or
insecurities: remember things could be worse. You could be them!!!

So don't forget to take a few moments each to live and laugh, 'Life is a gift, make the most of your
present'.

May G-d bless you and always keep you safe. Amen

Compliments of your Chaplain

Rabbi Moshe Wolf
773-463-4780
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