God's Bridges
Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>
Ever since my early childhood, I have been fascinated with
bridges. Bridges come in all sizes, yet are designed for
one purpose -- to connect people. I must admit that I have
never built a bridge, but there have been times when I have
paused and admired the majestic beauty of these linking
wonders of the human race.
However, it never ceases to amaze me how long it takes to
build a bridge. Days, weeks and sometimes months pass
with progress moving at a snail's pace, adding to frustration
of motorists by an endless array of detour signs. Yet some-
how, despite everyone's impatience, progress is being
made and soon the bridge is complete and open. Building
a bridge must take time for it must be long lasting, capable
of withstanding both human and natural forces. To ensure
such security, a closely detailed plan must be outlined
and precisely followed. The plan is then entrusted to the
construction crew who must formulate the realistic time
table. The ground is then tested and surveyed and the
the steel girding is set into place. Then layer upon layer
of concrete, steel and asphalt is combined and allowed
to form. Once completed, it is open for use, giving us
yet another avenue on which to travel.
As impressive as these constructions are, I want to share
with you other bridges that are vital to our lives each day.
Recently I read that we are in a partnership with God and
His angels in creating bridges of hope between those of
heaven and earth. I believe that this is a true statement;
however, I cannot help but wonder how often I have re-
mained a reluctant, silent partner, leaving many of my
bridges unfinished. I believe that each day we are asked
to cross bridges and to build spiritual bridges that bring
us ever closer to God. Sometimes these bridges will be
so long, requiring patience and fortitude, while others will
be short, requiring a simple prayer or an act of kindness.
Our spiritual bridges must follow a similar plan, for they link
us to our eternal God. We are given a detailed plan which
is outlined for us by the hand of God and delivered by the
angels. God has a plan for our lives and He desires only
the best for us. Our destiny is designed within the spirit
of God and forged with the hearts and hands of man. Just
as physical bridges must be secured upon solid ground,
so too all spiritual bridges must be based upon a foundation
of truth and faith. Once truth is established, then our bridges
can be expanded. Combining prayer with understanding and
forgiveness will ensure each of us unlimited access to the
presence and love of God.
We are never alone as we travel upon these spiritual bridges
of life, for our angels journey with us. Many times a bridge
is laid before us and we are asked to cross in faith. We
may be unsure and frightened of what might lie ahead and
we may even hesitate to progress. Yet our angels are there
to walk beside us, giving God's counsel and direction to us
regardless of how long or challenging our crossing will be.
Then times arise when we stand at the edge of despair
which is so steep or disappointment so wide that we are
afraid to move. We can see to the other side, but the valley
between seems unending and the bridge is so narrow. It is
then that we call upon the compassion of God and the
counsel of the angels to widen the bridge, using all the
elements that God provides. Our angels always stand
with us, ready to assist, as we build our bridges toward
a tomorrow based on love and hope.
As we grow in the love of God, our need for bridges will
increase. However, we must remain secure in knowing
that our faith is strong and, with the assistance of the
angels, our course is set. Bridges are necessary in both
our human and spiritual existence, for they allow us to
progress toward our eternal destination. We must always
resolve that whenever we step out in faith, that we are
never alone, for the angels are always near.
of the U.S. Air Force Academy stands a mountain
called Eagle Peak which is popular among local
hikers, and Scouts in particular.
of the Rocky Mountains on one side or overlook
the vast expanse of the Great Plains on the other.
Each summer the trail leading to the peak is
trod by those who've walked it's track before
as well as those who make of it a new experience.
if he cares to ask, that the hike will take all
day to go up and back. He is told to start early
and to set a strong, steady pace for the
journey will be difficult and rigorous.
The inexperienced hiker who follows this advice
and plans accordingly can be easily disappointed
and even become angry or confused upon reaching
the beginning of the trail, because he can see
with his own eyes from the parking lot that the
hike to the summit and back would take far less
than half a day with little difficulty at even
the most leisurely pace.
the trail wandering frequently from the path,
taking numerous side-trips and detours. He
stops to play and to snack on some of the
supplies he had brought since he obviously won't
need so much for such a short trip. He goes
well out of his way to avoid some of the more
difficult parts of the trail. This he does until
about half way through the day when he finally
climbs to the summit only to discover that it was
his eyes which had deceived him and not the words
of those who had gone before. For he now stands
on a false summit which had blocked his view of
the higher summit far above.
quickly re-evaluates his time and decides that if
he pushes himself hard enough he can still make
it to the summit and back before it gets too dark.
And so he sets off at a frantic pace; stumbling,
crashing through the brush, receiving bruises,
scrapes and scratches as the sun moves steadily
toward the horizon.
Until at last he reaches his mark and looks up
at still another summit. You see, Eagle Peak has
two false summits, both of which must be travelled
over before reaching the real goal. Our inexperienced
hiker now sadly begins his trek back down the
mountain knowing he fell short of the goal he had
sought after. He will try again another day, for
there are many beautiful days in Colorado Springs.
Wiser for his experience, he will doubtless reach
his goal on the next occasion.
fortunate. There are many false summits and if you
strive toward only those goals which you can see,
you will fall far short of the genuine goal.
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