Bridges
by Jane Smith 22 November 2021
A few months ago, Peter Blount wrote a morning thought based on a poem he came across on the footbridge over the railway at Duffield. Last week Kelvin and I crossed the same bridge whilst on a walk and the following poem caught my eye.
The Bridge - Joy Cowley
There are times in life
when we are called to be bridges,
not a great monument spanning a distance
and carrying loads of heavy traffic
but a simple bridge
to help one person from here to there
over some difficulty
such as pain, fear, grief, loneliness,
a bridge which opens the way
for ongoing journey.
When I become a bridge for another,
I bring upon myself a blessing, for I escape
from the small prison of self
and exist for a wider world,
breaking out to be a larger being
who can enter another’s pain
and rejoice in another’s triumph.
I know of only one greater blessing
in this life, and that is
to allow someone else
to be a bridge for me.
I was particularly struck by the message in the poem and feel it has even more meaning and poignancy at the present time. Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic we have heard about so many ‘bridges’ ranging from very small gestures of kindness to the millions of pounds which have been raised for charity, sometimes by the most unlikely people.
Of course we would, ideally, like to be the ‘bridge’ which crosses people to a life with Jesus but we can also, through simple, thoughtful acts, show the love of Jesus to all around us.
It is equally important that we are gracious and take pleasure when someone is the ‘bridge’ we need at any given time.
What can we do today in Jesus’ name?Is there an opportunity to be a bridge for someone? Let’s not miss any opportunity there might be.
Let us pray
Heavenly Father,
Keep us alert to every opportunity You put before us. Help us to make the most of every opportunity You give for us to be a ‘bridge’ in Your name, showing Your love for others.
Amen