Itching For It

"Watch out you might get what you're after ... some things sure can sweep me off my feet, burning down the house" (TH)

How are you going to
put out the fire?

Years ago, I read somewhere a very perplexing comment by Rebbi Nachman of Breslov. He seemingly said that the most accurate means to measure one's self-control is by not scratching your skin when you have an itch. This, he noted, is the ultimate demonstration of self-control. When I read this, I thought to myself, "Well, it certainly is difficult to restrain ourselves from scratching an itch, but is that really the greatest form of control? There must be a deeper message in his ever-clever words."
Last night, I believe I figured out the answer to my question.

Athletes foot. If you have ever had it, you know how uncomfortable it is. That incessant itching, screaming, "Scratch me - now!"
Although it doesn't happen often, I felt this urge to scratch my toes as I removed my shoes for the night. With my nails hard at work on my toes, I thought of the words of Rebbi Nachman - and then it hit me. 
When a person feels an itch, that sense of needing to scratch overtakes a person's mind. That's the only thing he can think about. Nothing else. As long as the itch is there, the thought and fixation on the need to scratch remains. Once the person gives up his battle to restrain, and begins scratching away, there is an immediate sense of pleasure and accomplishment. The itching is finally being fully attended to. Yet, a person can get carried away and scratch far more than is needed, which is quite common. When he gets the sensation that the job is done, he realizes another problem - his skin is on fire! His skin is red and burning! Only after a few moments does the burning dissipate, leaving him with either a feeling of completion - or the need to scratch once again!
The identical situation occurs regarding sin. Once a person entertains the possibility of committing a sin, that itch to fulfill his urge overpowers every other thought. If he surrenders, and completely indulges in the sin, he will certain feel an immediate sensation of enjoyment. However, this satisfaction will surely be short-lived. Certainly, if he exceeds in his temporary delight and enjoys in excess, he will soon realize the results of his actions. Ultimately, when he finishes itching, he will be left on fire! 
... until the next itch comes along ...

Rebbi Nachman - I hope I understood your words correctly!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the self-control not to scratch when every 'itch' comes along!"