This Too Shall Pass…
The mission of Black Diamond in leading professionals and organizations through transformational events bewilders some. Why do it? What led you to this? Certainly, anyone embarking on a journey of self-actualization asks this at some point. The answer lies within a story from Jewish folklore, found particularly germane in my own quest for deeper meaning and enduring transformation. “This too shall pass” resonates with many. Many are unaware of its origin.
Whether working with professionals or organizations, I share the following as a message of hope to those currently struggling and as a warning to those endeavoring toward excellence. Take what you will from it, but remember – always – ‘this too shall pass’.
One day Solomon decided to humble Benaiah; his most trusted minister. He said to him, “There is a certain ring that I want you to bring to me. I wish to wear it for Sukkot (a Jewish religious holiday typically falling in late September) which gives you six months to find it.” The minister accepted Solomon’s request and stated simply, “If it exists anywhere on earth, your majesty, I will find it and bring it to you. What can you tell me of the ring and its origin?”
The king replied that it possessed magic powers and added, “If a happy man looks at it, he becomes sad, and if a sad man looks at it, he becomes happy.” Solomon knew that no such ring existed, but desired only to lead his minister to a greater degree of humility. Spring passed and then summer, and still Benaiah had no idea where to obtain the ring. On the night before Sukkot and with all hope of obtaining the ring lost, Benaiah decided to walk in one of the poorest quarters of Jerusalem framing the words of failure to his King. Passing by a merchant who had begun to lay out the day’s wares on a shabby carpet, he asked “By chance, have you heard of a magic ring that makes the happy wearer forget his joy and the broken-hearted forget his sorrows?” He watched as the elderly merchant took a plain gold ring from his carpet and engraved an inscription. When Benaiah read the words on the ring, he smiled.
That night, the holiday of Sukkot was met with great festivity. “Well, my friend,” said Solomon, “have you found what I sent you to obtain?” All the ministers laughed and Solomon himself smiled warmly. To everyone’s surprise, Benaiah held up a small gold ring and declared, “Here it is, your majesty!” Amusement and incredulity alighted the face of the King as Benaiah handed to him the ring. As Solomon read the inscription, the smile and all color ran from his face.
The jeweler had inscribed three Hebrew letters on the gold band: which began with the words “Gam zeh ya’avor” — “This too shall pass.” At that moment Solomon realized that all his wisdom, wealth and unsurpassed power were but fleeting possessions as all things will one day return to dust.
Life can only bring you pain, it can not bring you harm – unless you permit it. We will all face dark times, but we need not travel without faith, hope and charity.
Be cheerful in all weathers.
Gam zeh ya’avor!
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