One of the meanings of “simcha” is being happy with what you have. The explanation is that people who are happy with what they have are considered rich people.
I’ve learned that there is a difference between being happy when things are going well and making a decision to be happy. Just waiting for life to be good to you is different from making the decision to be happy.
To be happy with what we have means that we believe that Hashem gives us exactly what we need. If you see that your friend has more furniture or nicer clothing than yours, you have to remember that Hashem gives us what we need.
Ultimately, everything adds up to something good at the end of your life. We may not see it right away, but we trust in Hashem. Having hope and a positive frame of mind and working to make good choices is the key to recognizing that Hashem is doing good for us.
Your evil inclination tells you that you shouldn’t be happy because you didn’t get what you wanted. Your good inclination tries to tell you that maybe you have something else, or that there will be another time for getting what you want.
Sarah Saltzman lives in Milwaukee and is in 7th grade at Yeshiva Elementary School.
The Coalition for Jewish Learning is the education program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.