Here is a fascinating excerpt from a letter the Rebbe sent to Basya Garelik, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch in Milan, Italy. I believe that this letter epitomizes the Rebbe's approach to Jewish outreach, and the very human tendency to expect immediate results.
In a broader sense, the letter teaches a fascinating life lesson, how we, as individuals, should expect our efforts – in all areas of life – to bear fruit.
By the Grace of G‑d
18th of Аdar 2, 5725 [March 22, 1965]
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mгs. Basya Garelik
Milano, Italy
Blessing and Greeting:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st of Adar 1, as also your previous correspondence.
May G‑d grant that all the matters about which you write, including your activities in progress, as well as those to be undertaken in the future, should all be crowned with Hatzlocho [success], and in a greater measure than expected or anticipated at first glance.
In the literature of Chassidus [hassidisim], such activities are classified and explained under two categories: "seeding" and "planting." The difference is this: In the case of seeding, as, for example, sowing wheat, the fruits take less time to appear than in the case of planting a tree. The reason is that in the case of the former the results, though many times the original effort, are considerably smaller than in the case of planting. Similarly in the efforts and activities of a human being, there are such that come under one category and/or the other. If, therefore, it sometimes takes longer for the efforts to come to fruition, this is no reason for discouragement; on the contrary, the reason may well be that it is a case of "planting," where the ultimate results will be infinitely greater.
In the light of the above, and also in answer to your previous letter, it is surprising to me that you should have any doubt about your ability, or the success of your efforts, etc. [...]
With blessing
M. Schneerson
