Building Bridges

A couple decades ago, I was a preschool teacher for a few years. One of those years, a student and his family gifted me with a little book of poems. One of these poems was “The Bridge Builder” by Will Allen Dromgoole. It got me thinking about the legacy I would leave for others. Then, as now, I had no children. Only the lives I touch from day to day.

As a Christ-follower, reaching others for Jesus is a huge part of my legacy, a big part of the bridge I hope to build for those who will follow after me.

In the time our scripture passage was written, storytelling was a huge part of building a bridge for the younger generation. Oral tradition was passed down, including the stories of the first Passover, crossing the Red Sea, and entering the Promised Land.

When I first read the poem “The Bridge Builder,” I had little knowledge of what my legacy would be, except that I had a calling to write. In the years following, I would cross a narrow chasm in life, a chasm that required me to make the choice to live or die. Because God brought me across that chasm, I can’t keep to myself what he has done for me. I will not hide my story from those around me, or from the next generation.

This life is tough, and I fear it is getting tougher. Today’s youth face a multitude of temptations and hardships. I am heartbroken to face the fact that some school children are now staring the decision to choose life or death in the face. And sometimes death wins.

Do you and I have hope? Do we have a story? Yes, and yes! Every one of us can build a bridge for these young souls to cross over into life. I don’t know about you, but I need to work on my bridge-building.

Dear Father, thank you so much for the story you’ve given me, for the hope in my heart. Help me build bridges today, by sharing that story. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Throughout this Day: Who is a young person in your life you need to build a bridge for? How can you do that today?