Photo by Thori Brewer Copyright 2008
DaY 483
Over a year ago, I wrote my first blog post. I had just returned from a solo trip that allowed me to see seven states, in just two days.
The photo I posted was taken as the sun was setting in Missouri. It was one of hundreds I snapped while on the trip. That image captured the essence of my, short but grand, adventure.
The road stretched out in front of me and night was falling fast. Hundreds of miles and five states separated me from home, but I had hit a snag. I was without direction. The time tested route, over the mighty Mississippi River, that my husband had laid out for me, would not work. The Bridge he had told me so much about, the bridge I had come miles out of the way to cross for myself, that bridge was closed. Knowing all of that, I still had to see her.
She was just as beautiful as my husband had said. She was thin, tall and time worn. She curved off into the distance and out of sight. I could see her beginning but it would be a year and a day before I would see where she ended. That day, the bridge, very much like the lady taking her picture, was alone, broken and waiting to be mended.
The flood waters of the great Mississippi river had damaged her just as the flood of life had damaged me. At that time, neither she or I were fit for use. What a rare privilege to capture a shared moment in time as we both patiently waited for healing. She in need of concrete and steel and me in need of the word of God to renew my heart and mind.
I could tell you that all of this occurred to me while I was in the moment. I wish this was a story of a great life changing event. The truth, for me, is that it is hard to see how all the pieces fit together when you are so beaten up by life. I knew there was beauty and meaning in the moment. Today I look back on the moment I captured and I get it.
The road was blocked. The Mississippi was in front of me and I had no idea where there was another crossing. I could have gotten upset, screamed and cried. Even if I had, there was no one around to here me. Broken bridges like broken people don’t draw big crowds. Being upset would not fix the bridge. I could sit down in the middle of the road and waited for help, but it was unlikely that any one would come. (did I mention the Bridge is two exits past, how far out in farm country are we?) I had to accept that today I was not going to get it my way. I had come a long way just to see this grand old lady standing watch over the Mississippi but she was in no condition to receive me today.
In Matthew 10:14 Jesus told his disciples how to handle rejection. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor here your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake the dust off your feet". What no screamin’ cryin’ fit ’cause I didn’t get it my way? You mean I can’t peal out of the parking and lay long black drag marks to show "them" I was here and I was pissed? (That would have been cute to see a chick in a one ton, flat bed farm truck trying that!) Jesus wanted none of the nonsense, just shake it off and move on.
Well, move on I did and a few miles up the road I was rewarded with a beautiful sunset (the photo on my first post) I would have never seen if I had crossed the Mississippi and headed east. I had to turn around and when I stopped for fuel a nice man told me a quick route to get back on track.
He also told me that the other bridge I wanted to see over the Ohio River was still open. A few miles out of the way, but I was still able to get there to see her just before the sun went down. It is funny how God works things out if you will let him.
I took the trip by myself but I was not alone. My heavenly Father was with me. At some point just after dark I cut the CD player off and just began to talk to Him. For hours it was just he and I, Diesel fuel, highway, and a lot of truck stop coffee! We crossed through four states before reaching the promised land. (for you who don’t know that is the great state of Alabama) We got home just as the sun came up. I need that trip to remind me that no matter where I go or what I do God is there with me.
God did have a gift in store for me. One year and one day after I first tried to cross the bridge, my wonderful husband drove me across. I took pictures like a crazy tourist and I think my in-laws in the back seat thought I had lost my mind!
My sick friend, the bridge was well enough to receive me. As for me, I had been walking with God for 427 days, on that day, I was beginning to be well enough to be good company. In the end Gods way always works out much better.
God Bless you and keep you!
Much Love!
Thori Inspired
day 483
Altered Photo By Thori Brewer
