Life Through the Lens: Our bridge needs repairs

This post is the author’s personal opinion.

March 26, 1879 was a day in history, a day Murray Bridge should remember.

Why?

On that March day in 1879, the first bridge to cross the River Murray was opened, and since then many things have never been the same.

The bridge has been a blessing in many ways.

Commerce can flow; social interaction and visiting family and friends has become easier.

A bridge enabled all that humanity needs to survive and flourish as a community.

The bridge is now undergoing a massive upgrade.

As I read the list of upgrades, I could see so many parallels between the bridge and humanity, people, community, and the place of God in it all.

Our bridge is here for a purpose; it wasn’t built to serve itself.

God’s word tells us we are here for a purpose, too.

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ – that’s the most important reason for being, and the second, ‘love your neighbour as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Over the bridge’s life, rust has eaten into its framework.

It needs de-scaling, then protecting for the future.

Over time, it is easy to let our thoughts, wants, and fears eat away at the life of joy our maker planned.

God provides cleaning-away of the rust that can make us weak.

Jesus and his love is what can clean up our lives, no matter how thick we might think the corroding rust is.

That is why, as God’s son, he suffered and died.

Because he also came alive again, we can trust that he will also protect you in the future (Psalm 138:7)

Our bridge will have upgraded lighting so all who use it will not be in darkness.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (a very enlightening story in John 8:3-12).

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport report states, “repair of pier 26 (is necessary) in order to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge”.

Obviously pier 26 needs special attention.

Not all piers will be treated the same.

You might think your fears, anxieties, and needs would not be significant in God’s eyes.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Through his word, he emphasises that every person can be treated as one of his unique and very much loved children.

Just trust him; believe his words, that in love, he can and will repair your life where repairs are needed.

God bless.

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