Virtually every child, and many adults, are obsessed right now with the fidget spinner—a small plastic toy that can be flicked and spun in the hand. The Baal Shem Tov taught that a lesson in serving G‑d can be learned from all things we encounter. So, what can we learn from this?
1. Keep on Moving!
If you’re going up, you are going down. Like that fidget spinner in your hand, you need to keep on moving and growing, or you’ll screech to a halt.
2. A Little Shake Is All It Takes
A single well-timed flick of the wrist can get your spinner in motion. Sometimes, you just need a good nudge, and then let your soul’s innate goodness take over.
3. Three’s a Charm
Did you ever notice that most fidget spinners have three arms? King Solomon noted that a three-stranded rope is the most strong. So have the sages noted that a three-legged stool is sturdiest. Base your life on the three pillars of Torah study, prayer and and kind acts, and you are assured a balanced existence.
4. Fill Your Time Wisely
We can chew gum and walk at the same time. Now we know that we can chew gum, spin and walk. But there is time for other things; namely, fitting Torah study into the mix.
5. The Simplest Things Bring the Greatest Joy
Who would have thought that a gadget of ball-bearings and plastic would make people so happy? But it does. The lesson for us: Your simple mitzvah—putting coins into a tzedakah box, wrapping tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles—bring the greatest joy to G‑d.
6. Life Is a Cycle
Like the fidget spinner, life is constantly moving (sometimes, it seems, in circles). You may feel like you’re at the bottom of the wheel at times. Don’t worry. Your day to rise will yet come.
7. Channel Your Inner Fidgeting
“Stop fidgeting!” we’ve been told since earliest childhood. But it’s hard to sit still, so we don’t. The fidget spinner teaches that it’s OK to move around. Just make sure to channel that energy in the right direction. We often have desires and urges that we cannot control. Don’t try to stifle them. Instead, redirect that energy into positive and constructive outlets.
8. You’re Never Alone!
It often feels as if life is spinning out of control. Remember, you are a fidget spinner, not a frisbee. You can rely on G‑d, and a Hand that is there to support and guide you.
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