The View From the Bridge

I am a lover of many things nerdy – weather and maps to mention just a couple. Another quirky interest of mine is architecture. The beauty of lines and shadows mixed with the practicality of strength has always caught my attention. And while buildings are the obvious attention-getters, bridges have also fascinated me when it comes to architecture. I’ve also primarily thought of bridges as a functional piece of architecture – getting people or things over something like a deep canyon or rushing water. Functional. Practical.

While praying about the bridge that a current journey is taking me on, the Lord invited me to stop and take a look at the midway point of the bridge. It felt risky to pause there. My eyes were set on the other side, the end of the bridge, my destination, my perceived safe place. But my loving Father invited me to change pace and rather than rush to get to the other side, he asked me what I saw from the center of the bridge. The beauty of the landscape. The power of the river. All the things he was keeping me safe from.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121

At the center of the bridge, we can feel the most vulnerable. With bridge ends securely anchored to the ground, the center appears to be the least anchored, suspended away from the safety of the earth at either side. Yet, it is at the center of the bridge that we have the best view – of the danger, of the beauty, of the ways he offers inexplicable peace in the chaos. Much like a daddy holds his child up to see the sights while securely keeping them close to his chest, the Lord holds us close when we feel vulnerable. Inviting us to enjoy the beauty of his creation even in the presence of danger. Because with him, we are always safe.

“Enjoy the view from the bridge. I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.” …and…

You are adored.