Tefillah Tips - Birchot HaShachar VI
As we head towards the finish line of the fifteen morning blessings we recite "Sheasah li kol tzarki -G-d has provided me with all of my needs" and "Hamaychin mitzaadei gaver - G-d prepares the steps of man."
The Talmud Brachot teaches that the first mentioned blessing, "Sheasah li kol tzarki" - was instituted in recognition and appreciation of wearing shoes. Since one can accomplish so much more with shoes on than without them (one can walk for a longer period of time, one can walk on surfaces the bare foot cannot) our sages made note of this in the morning liturgy.
It is interesting that "Sheasah li kol tzarki" is the only blessing of all fifteen that contains a personal component. I thank Hashem for all he has done for me personally - Sheasah Li kol tzarki. A message to be learned from this is that although we must be aware of the overall good G-d bestows on all of creation, it is imperative to notice and be thankful for our individualized gifts a well.
The next bracha, "Hamaychin mitzaadei gaver" expresses thanks to G-d for preparing us for the physical steps that are taken all day long. Being fully dressed and ready to take on the world we must realize that Hashem has endowed us with the physical capabilities that allow us to get to where we need to go.
With regard to this bracha, the Alter of Slabodka writes in his classical work Ohr Zafon that we need to emulate Hashem in this matter. Just as G-d plans the steps of mankind, so too we need to plan out step by step the road to our spiritual success. Just as expertise in any field of endeavor from computer programming to racquetball requires steadfast diligence and considerable effort, so too with spiritual excellence.
However we must be certain that it is not at the expense of others. When we climb towards our potential we cannot step on anyone to get there. As Rabbi Yisroel Salanter used to say, "When you don your Tallith in the morning don't whip the guy behind you in the eye."
Hashem takes care of our every need from our footwear-"Sheasah li kol tzarki" to wearing out the footwear- "Hamaychin mitzaadei gaver".