There’s no avoiding the chaos some days bring. Conflicts flare, emotions run high, and the weight of the world settles on your shoulders like a storm cloud that refuses to move. But in the middle of it all, how we respond can make all the difference, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. The question isn’t whether the waters will rise, but whether we’ll be the ones who build a bridge.
“When times get rough and friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.”
— Paul Simon
As I was walking through the ATL airport, a large family came sprinting the other way with a panicked look and desperately trying to navigate the tangle of people. They all wore a harried look, except for the three year old laid back in the stroller.
He was enjoying the roller coaster ride with his legs crossed and a smile on his face. In his contentment, this kid didn’t share their desperation to get to the gate on time.
After all, he had no control in the matter and chose instead to simply enjoy the ride.
“Worry is the interest paid
by those who borrow trouble.”
— George Washington
Troubles are plenty. Betrayal. Embarrassment. Grief. Loneliness. Crisis. Conflict. All of this can happen in a single day, but we still have options that can be picked.
Some people choose the bridge over troubled waters, while others go down the ramp. Some choose to be a bridge for others, walking the dark path as a friend and a lamp.
Some choose to revel in the pains of others, depravedly celebrating their sad downfall. Some choose to learn wise lessons and better habits as they persevere through it all.
“When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you, and when you pass
through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
— Isaiah 43:2
Life. Is. Hard. With never ending tides of difficulties and stressful situations.
Our own burden may appear to be way bigger than anyone else's, but that's because we have only a small, fractional view into the whole of their experiences and troubles.
Bridging troubled waters gets easier with a mature faith and trusted relationships. Faith reminds us that we're not in control of much, but there's a higher purpose in it all.
Sometimes we just have to trust and somehow find contentment as the ride goes on.
When you come upon troubled waters, you can choose to be the bridge. When you do, you’ll be providing the support they need to ease their mind and keep pressing on.
