One of life's most important lessons is that the secret of happiness and getting the good things we want out of life is not by taking - but by giving. In this week's portion, our matriarch Rebecca faced a choice - she was approached by a man who asked her to do him the favor of bringing him some water from the well. It wasn't an easy job, and no one would have blamed her if she had refused. But she chose to put herself out and give water not only to the man, but to all of his thirsty camels as well. Just imagine all the effort that took!

Her choice to give ended up getting her the chance to marry the righteous and wealthy Isaac and go down in history as matriarch of the Jewish people. Only by training ourselves to be givers will we begin to 'take' the happiness and sweetness we all want out of life.

from: AISH