Down in this world, people respect and remember the one-time grandiose deed, the proverbial grand-slam homerun in the bottom of the 9th that wins the game.
Up in Shamayim (the Heavens), the seemingly unglorious mundane day-to day mitzvoth that a person does with uncompromising perseverence 365 days a year is much more respected.
Take for example a page of Gemara; some people ask, "what's the big deal" or "so what?" They turn their nose up at a person who's not in Kollel or is not some big Rosh Yeshiva. Let me enlighten the snobs: you have no idea how much Hashem loves the guys who make an honest living then come home to learn Daf Yomi, a daily page of Gemara. Today, Hashem is especially rejoicing in these guys. Do you know why?
Those of us who have been learning the Daily Page of Gemara for the last seven years are today finishing the entire Gemara. Mazal Tov, dearest brothers; you are the true unsung heroes of Torah.
Tomorrow, the tens of thousands of us shall, G-d willing, begin a new 7-year cycle, beginning with Tractate Berachot, the first of the Gemara.
This is a perfect time to join. Don't say you're too busy; calculate the time you spend reading the news and surfing on Facebook. They leave you with nothing. The Daf Yomi leaves you with everything - a better life in this world, and a ticket to walk right in the next world.
Anyone can learn Gemara today; there are online lessons in English, English-Hebrew Gemaras, and Daf Yomi lessons in every neighborhood. You can finish Daf Yomi during your lunch break, learning while you munch. Many people do this too.
Daf Yomi is a great replacement for the morning newspaper with your morning coffee. Hashem doesn't get any gratification when you read the NY Times or Washington Post, and not from the Jerusalem Post either. He gets untold gratification when you learn Daf Yomi.
Even if you fly through the Daily Page in 30 minutes, it all adds up. After 7 years, look what you've accomplished. I know a retired taxi driver who has been learning Daf Yomi for over 60 years straight! He's in his late 80's, and his head is as clear as a bell. After his 120 years on earth, he'll be higher up in Gan Eden than most rabbis.
It all adds up.
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