A Single Moment

The other day, I was listening to a radio station when I heard a song with lyrics taken form Ethics of the Fathers containing the words, "A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the World to Come."

As I concentrated on the words, I realized how precious every moment of life is and that time should not be wasted, but, rather utilized for doing good deeds and accumulating scores of mitzvot that will stand us in good stead during our ultimate journey. As the tragedy in Meron befell us, we are more likely to contemplate the ephemeral nature of our time in this world and understand that we don't have all the time in the world to do what must be done. Why not use this moment to contribute to a worhy cause, or to learn a devar Torah in the merit of those who were noftar. You can donate here to help the victims' families , or here or donate to Oorah

פרק ד משנה יז

הוא היה אומר: יפה שעה אחת בתשובה ומעשים טובים בעולם הזה, מכל חיי העולם הבא. ויפה שעה אחת של קורת רוח בעולם הבא, מכל חיי העולם הזה Ethics of the Fathers, Chapter 4 17.

"He would also say: A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the World to Come. And a single moment of bliss in the World to Come is greater than all of the present world."
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2032/jewish/Chapter-Four.htm

A Simple Cheshbon Nefesh: Why Did This Tragedy Occur?

Embrace the pain, resist the blame

Parshas Behar starts by saying that on Har Sinai Hashem told us the mitzva of Shmitta. Rashi famously asks, "What is the connection between the two?" Rashi explains that just like Shmitta was given on Har Sinai, so, too, were all the mitzvos in great detail. Yet, the question remains, why choose Shmitta out of all the mitzvos to teach us this lesson?

The Ben Ish Chai answers that Har Sinai and Shmitta have something in common. They were both in a bad position, but this was precisely the reason for their success. Har Sinai was not even a candidate for Kabolas HaTorah, as it was way to small and plain. However, in this merit, it was chosen. Similarly, Shmitta is a disastrous year agriculturally, but precisely because of this Hashem blesses the land with incredible abundance as a reward.

This connection is not only the similarity between the two, but a lesson for all mitzvos. We need not fear the perceived loss from doing any mitzvos, be it the extra cost of money or time required by the mitzva. In every mitzva, it is this sacrifice that will sow the seeds of reward.
http://revach.net/parshas-hashavua/life-lessons/Parshas-Behar-Ben-Ish-Chai-Har-Sinai-Shmitta-Where-Less-Is-More/5050