Beyond building bridges is Becoming the bridge

 

   When we look at any job or profession there is always the potential to build a  bridge.

The gardener. I love gardening. When my garden is in full bloom, as it is now, people pass by and if they notice the profusion of colour and soft fragrance they have crossed the bridge between getting somewhere and being in the here and now.

    The waiter. I have always felt that serving people in a cafe or restaurant is a sacred  profession. The waiter can transform an ordinary cup of coffee into the sweetest moment. Through a smile, remembering your name, a gentle comment on the weather or simply the warmth in which the order is taken that person has created a bridge from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

    The Grandpa. Yesterday my husband taught our 5 year old granddaughter how to sew on a button. A bridge was built. From not knowing how to do something to actually doing something new, created a strong new bridge between them and a bridge for our granddaughter to explore sewing again should she wish.

And yet all these bridges could not be possible unless the people who built them were themselves a bridge. How do we become a bridge?  A bridge between concrete and nature. Between sorrow and joy. Between hesitation and certainty. Between ignorance and knowledge.

   Being a Bridge is a heart to heart encounter.

I remember years ago I read a book called Mister God This is Anna. Anyone who knew me back then knew that book changed my life. I went out and bought 20 copies to share with everyone. Anna was a tiny five year old child who was found on roaming the streets of London by a man called Fynn.  Fynn took her home to his mother, and that choice changed his life forever. Anna loved God in a way that most children loved puppies. He was her friend and she chatted with Him all the time. She didn’t try to love God. It was simply the way she was. He was her friend and through that friendship she transformed every people she met. Her love of God was the most natural thing for her and it came from her heart. And as loving God was her authentic way of Being everyone one she met was touched.

When we are true to ourselves, fearlessly authentic, with a healthy resilience to failure, we engage our heart and when all that we say and do is connected to the heart of who we are,  we become the bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (4)

  • Tom Gleeson

    Thank you Sharon, beautiful: it is coming home. within Love Tom.

  • Barbara Ferguson

    Yes! I love the message of that book, too. Keep sharing the joy, Dear Sharon

  • Desley Polmear

    Hi Sharon How lovely to hear from you again. When I read this I resonated with it. I haven't heard of the book but I love how Anna loved God. I also tell God I love him and feel the love I pass to him. The cafe and the person who serves you. Oh yes, this is so true. I liken it to who you are eating with. I went to a huge function the other evening and I sat next to a married couple who were obviously unhappy. If I moved from the long table it would have been rude but the situation for me was toxic. I didn't enjoy the meal at all and I couldn't wait to excuse myself. I felt sad when I found out later that they are staying together for family. Oh dear, don't you think children and grandchildren pick up pretty quickly. Now where are you these days. I have lost track since all the problems you had of waiting and waiting to move. I think of you often Sharon and it sounds like your life is on track and you are happy. xo

  • Philip Reilly

    Great, wise words as always.

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