Traveling the Bridge

The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The Voice

Fear crept over me each time I thought of the colossal bridge. As I child, I quavered as I looked down at the rushing waters of Tampa Bay when my dad drove across the mountain sized bridge. 

The skyscraper high structure could be seen for miles. At night it gleamed with a spectacular light display. Ships slid easily under its massive beams. Depressed souls leapt from its ledges. 

In 1980 a freighter crashed into the beams and toppled the top span of the original bridge. In the foggy morning, six cars, a truck and a bus tumbled into the swirling water. Thirty-five people lost their lives in the tragedy. Frantic drivers stopped oncoming traffic to save lives. One car stopped fourteen inches from the edge of the broken road. 

Two years later, a new open, designed bridge replaced the destroyed one. An expansive view of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico delighted passengers. But for someone uneasy with heights, the view distracted and frightened me. 

I did have a choice. I could travel many miles further through Tampa with traffic and road construction to reach my friend’s home in St. Petersburg. That option didn’t appeal to me either.

Logic told me to choose the shorter but scary route. No cars had fallen off the new bridge. Over fifty thousands vehicles traveled over it each day. Surely, I wouldn’t be the first.

I decided to look at the trip as an adventure instead of an obstacle. Looking at a map, it made sense. Only in my mind did the journey become a problem. 

I began praying. God had walked with me during endless trial. He would continue to do it. 

Just as I approached the toll booth for my adventure, drops splattered my windshield. Adding rain to an already scary drive made it even worse. However, a few miles down the road, it stopped.

A fishing pier sign appeared. The normal interstate turned into a road with water on both sides. Causeways led to the base of the summit.

All around me, cars whizzed by. I glanced out at Tampa Bay to my right and the Gulf of Mexico on my left. Tiny boats rocked in the waves. No one slowed as they approached the ascent. 

Gradually, my car rose above the blue waters. Sunlight broke through the clouds. I wanted to stare at the beautiful expanse of rippling water. But I could only glance at the panorama which stretched for miles and miles.

As I crested the summit, I announced, “ I made it!!” 

On the downward trip, I caught more glimpses of the incredible view and marveled at my accomplishment. It was actually fun. I had faced my fear and won.

During the last year and a half, life presented me with innumerable fears and obstacles. I faced them and went on because I had no other acceptable option. 

Fear of the bridge grew and robbed me of peace and contentment. Scaling the Skyway, reminded me that with God’s help, I can face whatever comes my way. 

Loving Father, thank you for taking my hand and leading me through the trials of my life. Amen