Perspective #1 - HASHEM loves me
The first perspective is that HASHEM loves me, more than I love me. HASHEM is more concerned for my good than I am. And, HASHEM has my best interests at heart, to an even greater extent than I do.
While this concept may sound lofty, it isn't that far removed from us. To see it in action, all you have to do is study your life. Look back on the strange twists and turns of fate that brought you to where you are today. Every Jew has a story. "I met that person, who just happened to mention..." "I ended up in that that course, where it just so happened that...."
When you look back on the events that have shaped your life, you see the hand of HASHEM. You see HASHEM orchestrating occurrences that shaped your life. And now in hindsight, you see that HASHEM was taking care of you, guiding you, leading you. While you were living through it, it looked "bad", it appeared that HASHEM didn't care, However, after the fact, you understand that it was done out of love, and concern for your ultimate good.
HASHEM knows better than I
However, knowing that HASHEM loves me is the easy part. The second concept, which is far more difficult, is knowing that HASHEM knows better than I what is best for me. And understanding that HASHEM knows better than me what it is that I need.
HASHEM created the heavens and all that it contains. He wrote the formulas for quantum physics and molecular biology. He views the entire universe with one glance. He sees the future as the past. And He has the wisdom to see far reaching results. What will this bring to ten years from now? What will the consequences be twenty years from now?
I, on the other hand... I see about two inches in front of my face. I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning. I make mistakes. I blunder. I get confused and caught up. As much as I think I know, I am often wrong. That which I think will be so good for me, is so often just the opposite. And, I forget. I forget lessons, I forget facts. I forget results and I forget consequences.
HASHEM doesn't. HASHEM remembers every event since creation. And HASHEM made me. He is my Creator, and he knows me even better than I do. He understands me better than I do. And so, HASHEM understands what I need, better than I do.
While this may sound obvious, it is - until it comes to the thick and thin of life. In the busyness of doing, and going, and accomplishing, this simple reality fades from my sight. I need that. I must have this. I have to accomplish that. And, when I face the brick wall blocking my path - I push on, bucking against everything in front of me. And I ask questions: "HASHEM, where are you? Why aren't you helping me?"
The idea that maybe, just maybe HASHEM is telling me something. Maybe HASHEM is saying no - never seems to cross my mind. Maybe it's not going, because it's not supposed to go. Maybe HASHEM knows better than I what is for my best. "Hmmmm.... Never thought about that."
Putting it into practice
When I fully embrace these two ideas, that HASHEM loves me more than I love me, and that HASHEM knows better than I what is best for me, I approach life differently. I still try. I still put in my effort. I use my wisdom, reach decisions, and then pursue them-but now it's different.
I have my part. And, HASHEM has His. My role is to go through the motions; HASHEM is responsible for the outcome. And, if I try and it doesn't go, I try again and it doesn't go, I don't kick. I accept. When opportunities don't present themselves despite my best efforts, I turn my eyes to heaven and say, HASHEM you know best. I trust in You.
And finally I understand life, and my place in it. I am the creation, and HASHEM You are my Creator. I am but an actor on the stage, I have my part to play, You direct the play, and You alone write the script. I know that you love me and take care of me. My job is to do; and You take care of the rest.