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| We're down to the wire. Are you ready to set a new world record? |
Right?
Electricity was just the beginning. We have phones - cell phones, high speed Internet, 1080p LCD HDTV plasma mumbo jumbo screens, and the list goes on and on. We feel pretty smart, hey?
Turning from the physical world of technological advancements and moving to the religious world, the picture may shift a bit. Or a bunch.
Contrasting ourselves to the greats of the recent century, like the saintly Chofetz Chaim, and certainly to those long ago, such as the Avos and Imahos, we pale in comparison. Their lives were dedicated to the service of Hashem. Their accomplishments far surpass anything we can possibly achieve. With all of the wisdom we seem to have demonstrated in developing state-of-the-art, cutting edge technology, we cannot even come close to the perfection and sacrifice of Avrohom Avinu by Akeidas Yitzchok, the unbreakable commitment of Yosef ha'Tzaddik in Mitzrayim, or the complete faith of Moshe Rabbeinu through the years in the Midbar.
Or can we?
For all the football fans around the country, 2011 proved to be a milestone year to remember. After 27 years of legendary quarterback Dan Marino's single season passing record of 5,084 yards sitting safely within the sacred record books, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints finally broke it this season (after nearly breaking it back in 2008). Together, they remain the only two quarterbacks to ever toss more than 5,000 yards in a single season. At first glance, Drew Brees would certainly measure up, if nor surpass, the great Dan Marino. If he broke his record, surely he is a better player. However, the critics question this achievement. Many have correctly pointed out a glaring red (yellow?) flag in this comparison. Over the years, the rules of the NFL have changed. Due to the league's concern for the safety of its players, especially the heralded and high-paid quarterbacks, they created greater precautions and limitations for the defense. The quarterback and wide receivers now enjoy more protection than ever before, in and out of the pocket, which enables bigger plays. More yards. Some would say, therefore, that although Drew Brees broke the record, Dan Marino remains a far better player.
However, regardless of this point, one fact prevails - the record has been broken ... and Drew Brees now holds that record.
We may not be greater than those before us - they were certainly leagues ahead of us. And although their achievements were borne out of hard work, sacrifice and self-perfection, we, with greater ease and far less sacrifice can accomplish the same - and perhaps even more. We can snatch the record by bringing the ge'ula shileima, with the coming of Moshiach - something nobody before us has accomplished!
Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength to be great today - truly great!"
