Parshah Vayeitzei

And Laban was told that Jacob had fled. And he chased after him a seven days' journey... (Genesis 31:22-23)

The Chassidic masters explain that, even after 20 years in Laban's house, there still remained "sparks of holiness" that Jacob needed to redeem; that is why it was neccessary that Laban should chase after him and the two should have their final encounter on Mount Galed.

In other words, there are two types of "sparks" which a person redeems in the course of his life. The first are those which he consciously pursues, having recognized the potential for holiness and goodness in an object or event in his life. The second are opportunities whose potentials are so lofty that they cannot be identified by his humanly finite perception. His redemption of these "sparks" can only come about unwittingly, when his involvement with them is imposed upon him by circumstances beyond his control.

(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)