Building Bridges

Yesterday I was driving home over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge after playing some golf with a few friends. If you have never been over a 4.2 miles structure like this one, you have missed one of the marvels of modern engineering.

The fact that two pieces of land this far apart can be connected by a (very) large piece of metal and concrete is a miracle of sorts, at least to my brain.

This image of building bridges has been with me for years.

You will have to trust me and know I love bridges. I have books about them and often self-describe myself this way as a means to create discussion about who I am rather than what I do. I have a business cards printed with Bridge Builder as my title.

About three weeks ago I took an online profile test called Strengthfinders which basically identifies the top 5 natural gifts and talents each of us has and challenges us to develop skills and knowledge around them in whatever occupation you are in.

My top strength was labeled Connectedness and in the detailed description it says, “you are a bridge builder for people…” It was a little freaky to hear these exact words.

But, like I said, I describe myself this way because I do love building bridges, all different kinds.

In the books I read and the area I live there is a virtual plethora of types, lengths, heights, styles and design of bridges. Are any two even exactly alike?

Maybe there are as many different bridges as there are people, because there are many different ways God speaks to His children.

I connect with God quickly when I am sitting on the beach near sunset with some good music on my IPod. It’s like the download is fast and sweet when I am there. I know He is close to me. I figure ways to plan my schedule to be in this place.

Some of my friends have found places of solitude, community service, Bible study or church worship services to draw close to Jesus.

He is the same, but the way He reveals Himself to each of us is as unique as we are.

I guess I just like to help others find who I have found. I like building bridges to help them find what I’ve found: Joy. Peace. Forgiveness. Love. Jesus.

But Bridge building is tough work-it takes years to finish many structures.

A bridge is never really finished, because there is always routine, ongoing maintenance.

But when a bridge is built and its purposes are fulfilled, one can look at the accomplishment with such satisfaction.

Maybe that’s why I get so much joy from connecting my friends and family to each other, and more importantly, helping connect them to Jesus.

Bridge building will always be on my calling card.

I think I'll drive over that big bridge tomorrow and remind myself these things.



P.S. My top “strength” detailed
Connectedness
Tom Rath, Strengthfinders 2.0
Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life’s mysteries.