Worrying in a Minute

When the Chiddushei HaRim's financial situation was dire indeed, his wife complained that they lacked even the basic needs. The Rebbe seemed to ignore her words and sat and learned, studying Torah and davening as if everything were fine.

She asked him in surprise, "Doesn't everyone worry about parnossa? You sit and learn and daven as if everything is fine. Don't you worry at all about our financial situation?" He answered, "How do you know I don't worry about it?"

"I don't see you worrying," she said. "All I see is that you daven and learn regularly as if nothing has changed."

The Rebbe responded, "Your father took me as his son-in-law because I was a prodigy in Torah, an illui. Whatever requires much effort I can accomplish quickly because of my keen mind. The same worrying that people worry for three days straight I can worry in a minute."

"And what have you accomplished by this feat of worrying for just a minute?" his wife demanded.

"And what does he who worries for three days straight accomplish?" he answered. "At least I finish with all the worry in a minute."