Pnina Souid
The Mitzvah Man recalls a day when the mitzvah he was searching for was not as he expected. “It was the end of the day, and I had been driving around for hours looking for a mitzvah to do. Finally, I spotted the building of Bnai Raphael, an organization that distributes food to hundreds of people. I parked my car, went inside, and asked who’s in charge. The man I spoke to answered, “I’m in charge.” I asked him, “I’d like to offer my services. Can I help you with anything today?”
“Perfect timing! Today is Thursday and we need someone to take out the garbage.”
I thought to myself, “Today Hashem wants me to take out the garbage, and I am happy to do that. This is not beneath me. Whatever needs doing I will do.”
“You have to take the bags of garbage to the sidewalk, and all the food cartons must be folded, tied up, and put out neatly.”
“Thank you, Hashem! Today, my mitzvah is taking out the garbage for this wonderful organization!”
I got to work. For two hours, I was dealing with garbage and I was smiling. I realized that today Hashem wanted me to take out the garbage for Bnai Raphael. I took out the garbage, tied up the cartons and took them out, and swept the floor, to clean up the onion peels and other food remnants from the boxes.
I was hoping to see someone so I could tell them that today Hashem wanted me to take out the garbage and I was very happy to do this mitzvah! In fact, I am proud to take out the garbage.
Hashem gives us opportunities to do mitzvot. Some are easy and clean. Some, however, are more challenging. Hashem wants us to do these types of hesed with a full heart as well. When you do a mitzvah that takes you out of your way or out of your comfort zone you don’t lose out. In fact, you may even get extra credit.