If one goes out to earn a living and does so to enjoy the luxuries of life and make a name for himself, he is feeding his desires and fantasies not GD!. If his intent in his heart and mind is to fulfill the commandment of his Creator he not only will find a Parnassa, he is fulfilling the will of H'shem. As Rabbenu Bachya writes " His trust in GD will remain intact, and he will not be harmed at ALL by the search for the means of a livelihood. If in his heart and mind he intends them for the sake of Heaven" This excerpt reminds me of the story of two brothers. One successful in business and one drunkard living on the streets. Their father called the successful son and told him that his sister would be getting married and he should buy anything he needed for the wedding and he would cover the bill. The father also mentioned to make sure he brought his brother. So the successful son went out and spared no expense He bought the most expensiveness outfits, jewelry and accessories for his family. A luxury rental car and booked the fanciest hotel for their stay. On the way to the wedding he drove around town found his drunkard bother grab
bed him off the street held his noise as he took him in the car and off they went to the wedding. After the celebrations the successful son approached his father with his hefty bill. His father nodded his head and went about other things. When they were about to leave the son said "Father you promised to pay the bill. His father looked at him in anger and said. "Nothing you bought for yourself and your family was for the celebration of the wedding. Had you truly cared about the wedding and me you would have cleaned your brother up before you brought him instead of leaving him in his filth and embarrassing me". This story is used as a parable for the way we welcome Shabbat. On the outside it could look L'Kovid Shabbat Kodsh but inside Chas V'Shalom it is Lekavod Atzmie (myself) H'shem promises to cover the bill of our Shabbat expenses. When you do your shopping make sure to say L'Kavod Shabbat Kodesh in your heart as well. Make an extra effort to act Kavodic for Shabbat especially when lighting the candles NOT IN A SHMATA ROBE AND SNOOD. You are welcoming Shabbat the Shecvhina into your home the way you light, set the table, serve the food act, will reflect if you are doing it for His sake or yours.
pg 397
bed him off the street held his noise as he took him in the car and off they went to the wedding. After the celebrations the successful son approached his father with his hefty bill. His father nodded his head and went about other things. When they were about to leave the son said "Father you promised to pay the bill. His father looked at him in anger and said. "Nothing you bought for yourself and your family was for the celebration of the wedding. Had you truly cared about the wedding and me you would have cleaned your brother up before you brought him instead of leaving him in his filth and embarrassing me". This story is used as a parable for the way we welcome Shabbat. On the outside it could look L'Kovid Shabbat Kodsh but inside Chas V'Shalom it is Lekavod Atzmie (myself) H'shem promises to cover the bill of our Shabbat expenses. When you do your shopping make sure to say L'Kavod Shabbat Kodesh in your heart as well. Make an extra effort to act Kavodic for Shabbat especially when lighting the candles NOT IN A SHMATA ROBE AND SNOOD. You are welcoming Shabbat the Shecvhina into your home the way you light, set the table, serve the food act, will reflect if you are doing it for His sake or yours.
pg 397