The banner image on this blog was chosen because it is a misty bridge. We see the connection before us and we know it will take us to the other side of the river that lies beyond but the image is a bit clouded; the fog creates an uncertainty that matches our hesitation to step into the unfamiliar. Yet we feel called to approach . . . and even cross over into a newness.
On a good day we rise in the morning and navigate the many little and big bumps in the portion of life’s road that lies immediately before us. On a bad day the bumps become obstacles and on a horrific day the obstacles consume us. Breakdowns of all kinds take place – medical, personal, physical, mental and spiritual – and we must look for the physician, teacher, trainer, mechanic, therapist or prophet to bring us back to health and normalcy. All of these specialists will bring us stability; they will restore the competence and comfort we seek . . . and all of these experts can be found wrapped up together in the person of Jesus. Jesus wants to heal us in our brokenness and cure us of all suffering. Jesus wants to bring us miracles. And so we approach . . . and even cross over into a newness.
A number of years ago as I was struggling through a difficult time with a well-loved relative; I did not want to enable an addiction and yet I wanted to be open to the possibility that the situation would change. I wished that circumstances might morph in such a way that the addiction would no longer hold the relationship hostage, but I did not know how to effect this change. Suddenly an image appeared before me. I stood at one end of a mist-shrouded bridge, this relative stood at the other, and I saw that the beautiful link arching over the addiction was formed by the arms of God. In that instant I was able to hand over the rat’s nest of problems to the only person who could untangle the mess. And I put my feet onto the ramp of this Jesus Bridge. Today this relative is recovering. Today we have found a way to bridge the addiction without creating further damage; and the gift of healing has arrived. Today the Spirit continues to abide with us, always hovering over the bridge making certain that we do not tumble over the side. We live separate but tangent lives, and I am grateful for the miracle we have been given.
The details of the bridge on which we stand to cross over into this newness are not the ones I would have drawn; the design is – I am certain – sturdier and more reliable than any I might have chosen. The arch seems to rise and fall as suits the need; this Jesus Bridge that holds the relationship together lives and breathes with us, relaxes with the warming changing days to allow for play, draws in to protect us from the chill of dark nights. But in the morning there is always the mist, hiding the specifics of the bridge to remind us that we do not need to know all – telling us that we only need to know God, and one another.
I offer you this image as it was sent to me: a bridge in the mist with opposing and even warring forces at each end; the beautiful, welcoming, arching span lies between. If you find yourself estranged or separated from someone or something you have loved, gather yourself, and take the first step. God will do the rest. Make yourself ready as the Hebrews did before the Exodus. Prepare yourself for the gift of healing at the hands of the Christ . . . and be open to the possibility of a miracle as you place your feet upon the bridge that spans all fear.
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