The verses in the beginning of the parsha tell us of the various materials that were donated for the construction of the Mishkan.  They included gold, silver, copper, leather, oil and more, totaling eleven raw materials.  At the end of the list appear two additional items: the shoham stones and the stones for the settings, both to be used for the kohen's breastplate.  The Ohr Hachaim points out the peculiarity of the placement of these two sets of stones in the verses.  Ostensibly, precious stones are the most valuable, even more valuable than gold.  Why, then, are they mentioned at the end of the list?  It would have made more sense to place them at the beginning. 

 In order to appreciate what the Torah is teaching us we need to look ahead in Parshas Vayakel to see who made these donations.  In chapter 35 verses 21-29 the Torah records that everyone donated whatever they wished from the aforementioned list (Rashi in our parsha alludes to this - see chapter 25 verse 3).  However, in verse 27 it says that it was specifically the nesiem, the tribal leaders, who brought the stones.  The gemara in Yoma (75a) says that the stones were delivered by the ananei hakavod (the clouds of glory).  The tribal leaders then gathered the stones and brought them to Moshe for the Mishkan.  The Ohr Hachaim explains that those who donated the other materials suffered some loss by donating their personal items.  The tribal leaders, however, incurred no loss.  It took little effort to make their donation and therefore it was indeed less valuable than the other materials.  It is for this reason that their donation is listed last. 

From here we learn a tremendous lesson.  The value of something is much greater when it was earned through hard work and sacrifice.  As Chazal say, l'fum tza'ara agra - through the pain and suffering comes the reward.  Though this idea can be applied to many areas, perhaps one of the most important is in learning Torah.  While learning Torah may be tough at times, the reward we get by pushing on and toiling in Torah is invaluable.  

There is a well-known story said over in the name of Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman zt"l.  Someone once came to him and posited the following: the law is that one must stand up for a Torah scholar in honor of the Torah that he knows.  The gemara also tells us that a child in utero is taught the entire Torah.  Perhaps the law should be that one is required to stand up for an expectant woman in honor of the Torah that her unborn baby knows.  Rav Gustman cleverly answered that the Torah knowledge of the unborn baby is worth much less since no toil and effort was exerted in its acquisition. 

Whether one learns five minutes a day, five hours a day, or fifteen hours, one must always remember the lesson of the stones.  May Hashem give us the strength to toil over the Torah with vigor, fortitude, and excitement.