So, too, the existence and vitality of every act, utterance and thought in mundane matters that contain no forbidden aspect — being neither root nor branch of the 365 prohibitive precepts and their offshoots, prohibited either on the explicit authority of the Torah, or by Rabbinic enactment —yet are not performed for the sake of heaven; instead they serve only the will, desire and lust of the body; and even where it is a need of the body and necessary for its very preservation and life, the fault lies in that his intention is not for the sake of heaven, i.e., to utilize his body as an instrument in the service of G‑d.

Tanya, Chapter 7

I am a thief
yet not of money
nor cars
nor jewelry.

Rather
I am a thief
of Life.

I steal from her
moments of time
time and time again
until I have my fill.

Once out on bail
I spend my parole
casing the house
of the One
who had pledged the bond
for my release.

And when He isn’t looking
I empty His pockets
yet again.

© 2020 Chaim Yochanan Cohen – All Rights Reserved