Monday, October 10, 2022

THE ART OF BRIDGE BUILDING

Have you ever given any thought to the bridges you build with other people? We all build bridges with people with whom we associate and depending upon our skills as a master craftsman is how sturdy the bridge will be. Factors like the length of the relationship and the nature of the relationship also play a big part in bridge building process. Keep in mind also, that as we build our side of the bridge, the lanes going the other way may not be constructed at the same speed and with the same materials. 

Once a bridge is completed we then have the pleasure of traveling across it. That journey should never be taken blindly because we may miss spots that require additional work and reinforcement. The other side of the bridge reveals new destinations to move towards and carries an element of the unknown, yet the bridge itself holds a sense of security and familiarity because each step of the way was designed and hand-crafted by us. A bridge is our work of art and sometimes our legacy. So we should take great pride it what we built. 

Sometimes we burn bridges to end a relationship and other times we hang an Under Construction sign on it while repairs are taking place. The destruction or reconstruction effort depends solely upon the amount of damage done and our priorities. Keep in mind some bridges can’t be repaired and once a bridge is burned we can’t cross it ever again. Sometimes we get the opportunity at some future date to rebuild the bridge. It’s up to us if we devote our time and effort into that endeavor. I highly recommend not building the same type of bridge as before, but a new and improved model that is resistant to past damages and flaws. 

Sometimes what becomes confusing to us is when we have built a bridge and try to surpass its capacity. A hemp bridge over a dangerous ravine might be functional, but hardly the type of bridge you’d carry a heavy load across or travel across quickly. The durable bridges made of steel and concrete are the ones that withstand the test of time and are made for strenuous journeys. Hemp bridges become easily frayed and worn, while more durable bridges seem to last a lifetime with less maintenance required. Just as it may take a whole village to raise a child, it takes a whole crew to build a bridge. As long as you treat the crew right and reward them justly, the bridge you build will be a masterpiece. 

Gratitude statement: While I have to shamefully admit to building some rather flimsy bridges at times, the bridges that matter most to me are the ones that have withstood the true test of time. 

10 comments:

  1. I like your gratitude statements; this one was one of my favorites.

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  2. Ur-spo, blame the gratitude statements on my therapist. They were her idea! When I started therapy, she wanted me to start keeping a journal, I asked if it was okay to do it in blog form...she said that she didn't care what topics I choose to write about, but she wanted me to end each entry with a gratitude statement. Of course, somedays are easier than others to feel thankful, but I seem to manage to do it even when I write about negative things.

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  3. I feel that there is something to feel grateful for each and every day, even negative days. There is always a lesson to be learned, and for each lesson learned, I am thankful.

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  4. It's a screwed up world we live in, but if you don't have hope or something to feel thankful for no matter how small, what's the sense in being here?

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  5. Lots of food for thought here. I'm a firm believer in not burning bridges if at all possible. But as you suggest, if that becomes necessary it is possible to rebuild it later - and, hopefully better.

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  6. Doug, thanks for commenting and I hope you'll visit Mildred again!

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  7. I like your analogy.. There are a couple of bridged i need to tend to a bit better, and soon.

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    1. I think we all could take some classes in building better bridges.

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  8. Snap. Some of my bridges have been decidedly flimsy and have collapsed. Occasionally I have deliberately blown them up. And a big yes, to gratitude - a gift which keeps giving.

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    1. I think I always carry some hemp with me for some quick bridge building! lol

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