The sages teach that sometimes, that very position – being between two good choices – is a blessing in disguise.
Think about Samuel the Prophet. According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early collection of Biblical stories and legends, God Himself spoke to Samuel in a unique way. God essentially said, "Samuel, you've positioned yourself perfectly – between two paths of goodness."
And the reward? It's God promises three gifts: life, righteousness, and glory.
You might be thinking, "Okay, that sounds nice for Samuel, but what does it mean for me?" Well, the text doesn't stop there. It goes on to say that anyone who acts with righteousness and performs acts of loving-kindness (chesed), will inherit these same three gifts. It’s a universal promise, a divine equation of sorts.
The verse quoted is from Proverbs (21:21): "He that followeth after righteousness and love, findeth life, righteousness, and glory." But notice something subtle. The text of Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer points out that the verse only mentions finding these things. It doesn't explicitly state that they will be given. The implication is that these are not just things we stumble upon; they are actively bestowed upon us as a result of our actions.
So, what does this mean in practice? How do we "follow after righteousness and love?" It’s in the everyday choices. It's in the small acts of kindness we show to others, in standing up for what’s right, even when it's difficult, and in striving to live a life of integrity and purpose.
It's a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, not just in this world, but also in the spiritual realm. And that the pursuit of righteousness and love isn’t just a moral imperative; it's a pathway to a richer, more meaningful existence, blessed with life, righteousness, and glory. Perhaps the crossroads aren't so daunting after all. Maybe they are opportunities in disguise.