Lesson 35
Know that this world is a very narrow bridge that a person must cross over. And the main thing is not to cause oneself to be afraid.
(Based on Likutei Mohoran II, 48)
Every person must cross a very narrow bridge of challenges throughout his life. Hashem knows exactly where we're holding and He sees that we're struggling, but nonetheless, He sent us this “narrow bridge” for us to try to cross in peace, and we must believe that it is certainly possible for us to do so.
The main thing is to be careful not to make ourselves afraid by looking over the sides of the bridge. In other words, we must never get scared of our past failures and the strong desires of the yetzer hara. Rather, just like a tightrope walker who must concentrate only on the next step ahead of him and then go quickly across, so too regarding the “bridge of life," we must focus only on the next step before us and remember the truth: Hashem is right here with us the whole way.
We shouldn't let ourselves get startled by our temptations and cravings on one side, and our sins and mistakes on the other side. Instead, we should look straight ahead at how we can come closer to Hashem right now and then go quickly in that direction. We must follow the path of the tzaddikim who reveal the truth that Hashem is always with us even in darkness.
L'Ma'aseh—Practically Speaking
This world is like a very narrow bridge. Nonetheless, it is possible to easily cross this bridge by focusing solely on what is in front of us and not looking at the dangers on either side.
