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Minute 964 //answer, Please



		TODAY'S MESSAGE IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM BEN ROSA A'H BY EDDIE AND HELEN SHAMAH &FAMILY The judge was losing patience with the nervous defendant. “Answer the question, please,” she said sternly. “The court will not tolerate your evasive responses any longer. Either reply directly to the query, or you will be held in contempt of court.” The defendant’s guilty expression hinted at the reason for the delay. A person who does not have a good answer might stall and not answer at all. Each of us will one day be “the defendant” and be required to answer questions. The Judge will not be a mere mortal, and the verdict will be for eternity. It is now that we must work on the answers. You were given a talent. Is it a sharp mind? Financial acumen? A good voice? The ability to sway the opinions of others? What is your strong point? Are you using it for a good purpose? It is not as difficult as you might think to perform as Hashem expects. Author and international lecturer Rabbi Akiva Tatz suggested an exercise that might help: Draw a circle on a clean sheet of paper. In the circle, list everything—traits, situations, and talents—with which you have been blessed. Outside the circle, list all the things you would like to have but do not. Then cut around the circle and discard whatever is written outside the circumference. Look at what remains. These are the tools Hashem has given you to do your life’s job completely and successfully. A carpenter needs a hammer and nails and a painter needs a brush and paints. What did Hashem give you? That is exactly what you need to fulfill your role. Now go figure out what your job is, and start working to maximize your productivity. One day you will be the defendant. One day you will have to answer the questions. Will you be ready? CONSIDER THIS FOR A MINUTE Delay douses anger. When you are about to lose your temper, take a drink of water and hold it in your mouth for ten seconds before swallowing. WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEDICATE A MESSAGE IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE? REFUAH SHELEMA? Click Here to go to the 'Donations' area, or E-mail your dedication to RBEYDA2000@AOL.COM . You can Mail your check for: $101 - Shabbat And Holidays $52 - Weekdays Mail To: Raymond Beyda 408 Avenue O Brooklyn, NY 11230