The Hike
Our journey through life requires a good map and a capable guide, otherwise we totally lose our way. Why waste our time and energy wandering around in the outback?
From the moment one departs from of the warmth and security of his mother’s womb, his physical journey begins. The contrast between the two worlds is so traumatic, he has a need to release his fear with a scream, the affirmation of life. As the mother cradles her newborn infant, she quickly forgets the pain she endured in bringing this precious new soul into the world. The baby’s anguish at leaving his secure, cozy cocoon is also short-lived as he is immediately soothed by his mother’s heartbeat and her loving, familiar voice.
Only seconds before, while still within the safe, nurturing environment, the baby is “taught the entire Torah. However, as soon as he enters the air of this world, an angel comes and strikes him on his mouth, causing him to forget the entire Torah” The Talmud (Niddah 20b). Unbeknownst to the infant, from this moment onward, his primary mission is to recapture the Divine Knowledge abruptly concealed from him at birth. Until the child is old enough to be accountable for his own actions (at Bar or Bat Mitzvah), and even beyond that, it is up to his parents to guide him on the right path to ensure he achieves this goal.
The hike through of life is like an uncharted trip in the outback. How does one get from one location to another when the course has yet to be traveled? Anyone who has driven into unknown territory without a map can attest to the fact that a wrong turn has the ability to create anguish, dread and confusion. Even with a proper diagram, there are still choices to be made. One direction may appear to be the shortest route, yet the traveler may find himself on a rocky, unpaved street that has more bumps and swerves that he bargained for. What may seem like the easiest means to the end may in fact take far longer and contain more hazards when all the detours are taken into account. Just as a visitor would be well advised to get recommendations prior to a journey to avoid undue aggravation, the life traveler should seek guidance as well.G-d, with His limitless benevolence, did not bring us into the material world only to let us flounder along the way. With loving compassion, He bestowed upon us the greatest gift of all, the Supreme Road Map of Life, The Torah. Each twist and turn is clearly documented and with constant support from one’s Rabbi, life becomes a smooth, effortless freeway.
As one passes through each town or landmark along the way, it may become necessary to stop to buy some supplies, possibly pick up a souvenir, take a photo or just have a rest; so too on our passage of life. Each milestone and every situation creates on opportunity for lessons to be learned and a juncture for growth. We can only move forward by nourishing our bodies and souls and in the process, restoring the Heavenly Wisdom taken from us at birth, little by little, one step at a time.
Regardless of the direction we choose or the means we utilize, our final destination remains unchanged. It is up to us to decide which avenue to take. Hashem granted us the power to write a personalized itinerary through our free will, but we can’t do it on our own. If we make the wrong decisions, our voyage will not be smooth sailing, yet we will complete our task nonetheless. By asking for assistance from a professional tour guide (Reliable Rabbi/Spiritual Guide) chances are we won’t incur as much instability, and the atmosphere will be calm, thereby making our journey both enjoyable and fulfilling.
The vehicle one uses is not the most important consideration. Whether to ride a car, bus, jeep or horse-pulled cart is not a critical issue as long as it is dependable and sturdy. Appearance is also not crucial; a simple means of transportation is all that is required and is preferable to a glitzy, extravagant limousine. Paradoxically, that which is unpretentious and down-to-earth is often the loftiest.
A word of caution throughout your travels is to beware of the signs along the way. Basic driver training instills this precept from day one, yet people constantly miss them. Nothing can be gained by parking in a no-stopping zone other than an unwelcome ticket. Failure to notice a one-way street, yield or stop sign is potentially deadly. By being aware of the signs on the road, your trip will be pleasantly uneventful. Using the excuse that fog or rain obscured your vision will likely not hold up in court as it is our responsibility to observe our surroundings carefully. So, when you see a sign, take heed since it will save you much needless heartache. This, of course, is a metaphor for the messages Hashem sends us every day. We should make an extra effort in our attempts to decipher them. Thankfully, the True Judge is much more lenient and forgiving than any courtroom traffic Judge.
The fundamental purpose for our existence is to re-learn the Torah and act accordingly through the prescribed mitzvot thus purifying our souls. Since we also endeavor to emulate Hashem’s awesome attributes by living in holiness, in turn growing closer to Him, it behooves us to choose the path of least resistance. In Gemara Brachot (Page 8 / side A) it states that there are two types of death; one is like pulling thorns out of cotton, and the other is like pulling a strand of hair through milk. If one is greatly connected to materialism, physical possessions and bodily comforts, it will be difficult for the soul to separate from the body at the time of death, like pulling thorns out of cotton. But if one strives for spirituality and has lifted himself above physical attachments to the sacred realm, the Neshama (soul) will glide through to the other world as effortlessly as a strand of hair through milk.
The choice is ours to make. By using the ‘Map’ G-d gave us, consulting with a ‘professional tour guide’ and acquiring priceless ‘souvenirs’ along the way, we can’t go wrong. The age old Prayer for Travelers (Tefillat HaDerech) sums up our plea both for actual road trips and for our journey of life:
“May it be Your will, L-rd, our G-d and the G-d of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush, bandits and wild animals along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to Earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us peace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble supplication, because You are G-d Who hears prayer and supplication. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who hears prayer.”
May we each be blessed to complete our objectives and arrive at our ultimate destination with blessings and ease. Amen
7/16/2010
Good question…Why waste our time? Chaya…what can I say except WOW! Your words just flow like a sweet poem and fall into place. You always write with great thought. I like the description….Our journey through life requires a good map and a capable guide, otherwise we totally lose our way. Why waste our time and energy wandering around in………these words are so true!
7/16/2010
Chaya…what can I say except WOW! Your words just flow like a sweet poem and fall into place. You always write with great thought. I like the description….Our journey through life requires a good map and a capable guide, otherwise we totally lose our way. Why waste our time and energy wandering around in………these words are so true!