The Best-Est
This is a story about a young boy, let’s call him Isaac, who like so many others wanted to be the Best, at least at something.
He came home from his first day in kindergarten so very excited and happy. His Mother asked him what he was so happy about. He told her that he “was the Tallest in the class”. The next year, when he came home from his first day in the First Grade, he was sad. His Mother asked him why he was sad. He said that he was “no longer the Tallest”.
A little later that year, in P.E., they had a race. He came home that day happy again. Why, because he was the Fastest. A little later that year, there was a race for the whole grade. He came home sad that day. Again, his Mother asked him why he was sad. He said that he was “no longer the Fastest”.
This went on and on with spelling bees, I.Q. tests, other contests in P.E., best looking, and………
Now he was sad a lot of the time. His Mother reminded him that his Grandfather, was a very learned and wise man. She took him to see his Grandfather. He told his Grandfather why he was sad.
His Grandfather told him that he knew of the one thing that he could be the very best of in the whole wide world. Young Isaac was so excited to hear what that was. His Grandfather told him that “you could be the very best you ever. No one could be better at being you and who you are meant to be than you. No one ever was or ever will be made just like you. You are a gift and have a gift. G-d gave you life and gave us you for a very, very special reason.
Isaac asked him, what was the gift and reason? He was told “Let’s start with “love your fellow as yourself”*, and when you’re ready we’ll talk some more”.
Isaac was now so excited and the sadness melted away as he believed and followed his Grandfathers words and advice. He never forgot his Grandfathers words.
The Grandfathers words are a lesson and reminder that applies to each and every one of us, young or not. Internalize and carry this thought with you every day.
Heart and Soul
To be continued
*Leviticus 19:18
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 
Thanks so much for this, Fred. Coincidentally, my grandson who is in kindergarten is struggling with this very concept right now–needing to be the first, needing to be the best, needing to always win. While so much of this is developmentally normal, it is a race that I see is exhausting, and stressful, for him. I am sending your post to his parents right now and look forward to seeing what transpires. Thank you for bringing forward what we all struggle with to a certain extent, and a wise way to address it.
I hope it helps then I’ll think I’m the Best -Est:)
Wise words. Although I never knew my grandfather and it took self-learning to discover those words of wisdom at older age, that’s exactly how feel when volunteering at the Redwoods.
You are inspiring Fred!
Bob
Thank you Bob
Those of us who have the good fortune to be offered teachings by someone who cares….
Thank you, Mr. Fox
I knew you would especially like this one Jocko even though I changed the boys name from Moishe:)
Thank You
Beautiful Fred!
Thank you Catherine