Bad experiences, in God's hands, can be the material that Beauty uses to Build Bridges. Some times we might wonder how the past can have any good use for where we are now. Several of the guys here, decided to make a passable bridge that would withstand the rising up of our small creek, after hard rains. Many different bridges have been there and not made it through the storms. This one was made with boards that were laying around, but still usable. Our past experiences are like those loose boards that do not seem to have a place.
As the men were seeking to line out the boards, one of the men mentioned how the pattern was cattiwampus (crooked) because they were following the two trees on either side. These different boards, fastened to the two strong anchor trees made what we are now calling the Cattiwampus Bridge. Recently, we have had in a month, nearly 30'' of rain....and this bridge is still there. Time will test, not just the materials, but what they are anchored on. Beauty's Bridges, are constructed on a solid strong footing, so that others can pass safely.
These past experiences are very much like our Cattiwampus bridge. At first glance it is nothing special to the eye...but after the storms, its a welcomed sight to those who need a secure crossing.
The criterion of true beauty is, that it increases on examination; if false, than it lessens. There is therefore, something in true beauty that corresponds with right reason, and is not the mere creation of fancy. by Greville (Leaves of Gold)
The tests of life are to make, not break us. Trouble may demolish a man's business but build up his character. The blow at the outward man may be the greatest blessing to the inner man. If God, then, puts or permits anything hard in our lives, be sure that the real peril, the real trouble, is that we shall lose if we flinch or rebel.
~Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Five years after this bridge was made, a bigger and better one was constructed that was built, with vision and love. Its still a reminder to me of what vision and unity can do.
As the men were seeking to line out the boards, one of the men mentioned how the pattern was cattiwampus (crooked) because they were following the two trees on either side. These different boards, fastened to the two strong anchor trees made what we are now calling the Cattiwampus Bridge. Recently, we have had in a month, nearly 30'' of rain....and this bridge is still there. Time will test, not just the materials, but what they are anchored on. Beauty's Bridges, are constructed on a solid strong footing, so that others can pass safely.
These past experiences are very much like our Cattiwampus bridge. At first glance it is nothing special to the eye...but after the storms, its a welcomed sight to those who need a secure crossing.
The criterion of true beauty is, that it increases on examination; if false, than it lessens. There is therefore, something in true beauty that corresponds with right reason, and is not the mere creation of fancy. by Greville (Leaves of Gold)
The tests of life are to make, not break us. Trouble may demolish a man's business but build up his character. The blow at the outward man may be the greatest blessing to the inner man. If God, then, puts or permits anything hard in our lives, be sure that the real peril, the real trouble, is that we shall lose if we flinch or rebel.
~Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Five years after this bridge was made, a bigger and better one was constructed that was built, with vision and love. Its still a reminder to me of what vision and unity can do.
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