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Narrow Bridges

We came to the hill just East of Clinton, Oklahoma, on Route 66. The evening skies darkened as we drove. My brothers and I dozed in the back seat of the old Ford car, circa 1937.
        Mom called our attention to the wonders visible in the valley below us. Lights twinkled in the distance like shining stars, beckoning us home.  Somewhere in the valley of lights was our home.  And we were ready to be at home!
    Ahead, the road seemed like a narrow ribbon.  Would our car go off the road, and cause a delay to reach home? 
         The wonders of home – peace, love, plenty to eat, things to learn, and a surety of security awaited us.  Could we get there safely?
         I looked at my Dad’s strong hands gripping the steering wheel, deftly guiding us forward.  His strength and assurance are all I needed. I knew we would arrive safely.
         The many brief trips to visit Grosmom (Grandma) Siemens included ten miles of pavement and ten miles on a dirt road. After a rainstorm, the dirt road sported ruts, and our Ford car careened as it tried to stay in the tracks.  No seat belts in that age.  I slid off the seat to the floor on the backseat and prayed silently for safety. Mid-prayer, I peered out the window in time to see a drop off on the side of the road into a creek just as we lurched toward it. 
         In desperation, I began pleading with promises to ‘be good’ for a week.  The in realization, even at eight years old, I knew I could never manage to keep that promise. Again, I put my faith in the strength of my Dad’s hands and knew God would take care of us.
I read Mom’s poem, Narrow Bridges, and realized she described a lifetime journey through storms, doubts, and fears.  When the way seems impossible, we know with God, our Father, who created us and loves us, all things are possible. He alone guides us across narrow bridges of life, and along narrow roads.  He alone leads us, through His Son Jesus, to the lights of the Eternal City!
When we find ourselves on the narrow road experiencing life’s storms, we know without a doubt, we are on the right path to travel Home.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.  Matthew 7:14. 
         Narrow Bridges
On a long and tiresome journey
I topped a jagged hill;
As I looked into the valley
My fearful heart stood still.
Far below a raging river –
A narrow bridge so small!
Surely there were other crossings,
This one wouldn’t do at all!
On the long descent it widened,
We crossed the bridge with ease;
It was strong and very solid,
All built from sturdy trees.
Though our life looks so impossible,
When viewed by earthbound eyes –
God can widen narrow bridges
If man on Him relies.
                  Anna Daisy Siemens (Standing Tall)
         Psalm 118:4Let all who fear the Lord repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
         Psalm 5:7-8 – Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.   Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.
         Psalm 86:9-11All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
         I Corinthians 13:13Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

         Psalm 19:14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

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