Taking Out the Garbage

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It was now his fifth year on Shlichus. When he first arrived in the country, imbued with his youthful idealism, he was quite eager to set up a Tefilin stand at the annual Israel Day Parade. As time went on, and he brought in Bochurim to run his summer camp, it was they who ran the booth. This year, he found himself without any bochurim in town. He would have to man the stand himself.

By this time, he was an established Rav in the city. That particular day was a scorcher and with the booth directly under the sun, the Shliach felt that this was no longer his shlichus. Was he, a respected Rabbi supposed to sweat away the entire day in the hopes of possibly getting a few Israeli backpackers to put on Tefilin? Besides, he told himself, he was in the midst of fundraising for a new building, and he could use the Sunday afternoon to try to raise some needed funds. His day should be spent talking to his supporters, not asking some random off the street to put on Tefilin.

But his thoughts were interrupted by a powerful inner voice. "Who do you think you are? Are you a Shliach or self-made Rav? Do you consider yourself too good to still be out there doing regular Mivtzoim? What would the Rebbe want from you?"

Reluctantly, he took his post by the stand. The temperature was nearing triple digits, and by noontime he was still without a single Tefilin. Finally, he was approached by your ragged-looking Israeli. After putting on Tefilin, the young Israeli asked him about the work he did in this remote country. Before long, the Shliach excitedly told him about his plans for a new building, adding that he was still in dire need of funds. The young Israeli thought for a minute, took down his address, and said he would be in touch.

The Shliach left the parade exhausted, but happy that he had been faithful to his shlichus. A few weeks later, a letter came in the mail from the Israeli. It began with a "thank-you letter." Attached was a check for several thousand dollars.
--
Getting announced during role call at the Kinnus HaShluchim. Reciting the invocation at a session of Congress. Cutting the Ribbon at a new Chabad House. Delivering an inspiring Drasha in front of a packed Shul. Lighting a twelve foot Menorah in front of city hall.

All of these activities may be exciting. But they don't yet define the true Shliach.
- -
A new day begins. The Avoda is getting underway. But, first the ashes from the Mizbeach have to be removed and taken outside the Mishkan.

"Upashat Es B'gdav V'lavash Begadim Acherim, V'hozei Es Hadechen El l'chutz L'machane."

Why change his clothes before doing this task? Rashi tells us two reason: 1) In order not to soil his garments 2) It is not respectful to "pour a goblet for his master in the same clothes in which you cooked his pot."

So the ashes got the Kohen filthy. And it wasn't even considered "in front of his master." It sounds more like janitorial duties than Avoda. Why must a Kohen do the dirty work? Why change his clothes if someone else can do the entire job?
--
"Shivisi Hashem L'negdi Tamid"

Simple Translation: Hashem is always standing in front of me
Chassidshe Translation: "All Avoda of Hashem is equal in front of me"

The two translations are one in the same.

A Yid must be willing to do every Mitzva. Even those that he finds difficult. Then he is truly serving Hashem.

A Shliach must willing to do all aspects of his shlichus. Even those that are not grand - even those not done seen by others. Then he is truly a Shliach.

A Kohen must be willing to do every part of the Korban Olah. Even the cleanup afterwards. Then he is truly a Kohen.

This is the litmus test that determines whether we are serving Hashem - or ourselves.

Continuation to follow I'YH
(See Likutei Sichos Vol 37. Story heard directly from Shliach)