Life has its potholes. Wouldn’t it be nice if every time we faltered or found ourselves approaching a hole too big to step over or around we could snap our fingers and a bridge would appear helping us cross homeward bound?
I love bridges and I don’t just mean the covered scenic ones found out on country roads. I love the bridges people offer in hands held out to catch, arms circling around to hug, smiles that say a thousand words; kind eyes that know it all and still stand by when everyone else heads for the hills.
I watched a news clip on a person who is all about bridges. All about caring; all about doing good for mankind; all about living the life he was dealt. His name is Spencer West; he is thirty one years old and recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro on his hands. No legs. No feet. Only using his hands one palm at a time. He lost both his legs at age five but never lost his hope or determination. Saying his testimonial to life is inspirational doesn’t do justice.
He says maybe he was born to be a symbol for those lost in life; unsure, frightened, lonely. If they see him and what he has overcome they too can overcome any challenge and find their path once again. He’s that bridge that helps us to the other side. The bridge that is covered with graffiti stating “YOU CAN DO IT, DON’T GIVE UP, LITTLE BIT FURTHER, HANG ON, KEEP GOING, LOOK AT ME – I’M STILL SMILING……..LIFE IS GRAND.”
Spencer West is a magnificent bridge but we all can offer something to cover the gaps life produces. A smile when sadness is all around; a hug when needed; a phone call to say hi; a thinking of you note mailed for no special occasion; a handshake of peace; an offer of help for a stranded motorist; a bottle of water to drink; a few bucks to tide someone over; a warm coat on a cold night. You might even come across me; I’m the little piece of plywood between two rocks offering words of encouragement trying to form some type of bridge.
Yeah life without bridges would be full of gaps and holes. I thank God for all the bridges He strategically places in my life that leads me towards home.
May God send you a bridge when you need it most.
Take care.
(If you don’t know who Spencer West is look into his life story it may be a life changing moment that actually changes your life.)