On one Rosh Chodesh Elul, Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitz happened to overhear an old peasant exhorting his colleagues. “Listen, fellows, harvesting time has started.  If you’ll work hard now, you’ll be able to eat all year long.  But if you’re lazy and goof off, you’ll go hungry all year.”

Turning to his chassidim, the Rebbe excitedly called out, “Dear brothers!  The month of Elul is the source of blessing for serving Hashem for the entire year.  Whoever applies himself in this month will experience joy all year long.  Serving Hashem will come easily to him.  But being lazy in Elul will cause sadness, making it difficult to serve Hashem with heartfelt prayer. ~ R’ Dovid Meisels