In June i went for a hike to celebrate my birthday. One of the highlights of that hike for me was a suspension bridge that we had to walk on to cross a river. I was petrified as I walked that bridge because it was swaying in the wind and because there were other people crossing as well. I dont know how long that bridge is but I walked its entire length thinking of all kinds of accidents that might happen resulting in me finding myself in the water below. A few hours after that I learnt that I had been terminated from my job with no notice whatsoever. The news came like a punch in the gut. I had been thrust out of my comfort zone much like a baby leaving the warmth of the womb into a big, cold and scary world. As i grappled with the reality of having no income during a pandemic, I started thinking of my way forward. I saw myself walking that unsteady but sure bridge across from the known into a future I had no idea about. I was afraid of falling, of finding myself in deep waters and having to sink or swim. I have been walking that wobbly bridge every day ever since, holding tight to the side rails for fear of falling. Oftentimes I wish to just close my eyes and get it over with, but I have to keep my eyes open to see the next step. And daily I am realizing that the bridge is able to support me after all, because there is One who holds my hand as I walk across. I need not fear, for He has been to the future I am uncertain of. Yesterday I went for another hike, and yes you guessed it there was another crossing to be done, and offcourse an unsteady bridge. Who makes these bridges anyway? This time the bridge was very low, on top of the water, and it was much easier to walk. There were no side rails for holding onto, you have to try and remain still as you walk across to avoid falling. As I was later reflecting I realized that I have grown from that person in June, as have the situations around me. I am more confident and so the bridges I cross are becoming easier. I am looking forward to crossing more bridges, as life is indeed a series of beginnings and endings. It is a constant moving on from the known to the unknown. I prefer to say life is like a wild horse, you tame it your way!
The wooden suspension bridge in June 2020.
