Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What Are Bridges from Engineering to Empathy?
Have you ever given thought to the power of bridges from engineering (construction) to empathy? That power exists in you. Your faith can close the obstacles in one’s life. You are built (engineered) to bring empathy (compassion) to those who need it. You are a powerful bridge.
Structurally, there are different types of bridges; nevertheless, their purpose is the same – to carry you across. Whether you are crossing water, a sinkhole, a roadway, or another, a bridge stands overhead. It helps you cross to the other side. In time, any bridge constructed by humans requires repairs. Maintenance is part of the endurance. Thus, the architect designs the bridge with a future plan of maintenance. No bridge is in construction without this plan. For example, “How often will this type of bridge need repairs? What type of weather and weight is this bridge capable of handling?” The Creator has a design for your life as a powerful bridge in this earth.
Hidden Flaws – Part of Construction
Are you capable? Yes, you are. No bridge is flawless, even if it meets bureaucratic standards. If the bridge crumbles, a carefully thought-out plan exists. This plan ensures repair or reconstruction so that it can carry the weight. It must be noted that not everyone can devise plans for a bridge. It takes skilled persons to construct great bridges. So it is in life. It takes specific types of people to build bridges for the better. What type? The type who understands storms in life. In as much as everyone has imperfections, people like you, learn from stormy experiences. They are great builders of people who show empathy for others. Their faith bridges others.
Strength – In the Midst of Your Storms
On the other hand, there are times one also needs others’ strength. Figuratively, many songs and quotes about bridges remind us of the strength and support of bridges. An example includes “Bridge over Troubled Water.” This song uses metaphor to depict the human spirit in life. It illustrates the wish to move ahead even “in the midst” of storms. Having the power to move from engineering to empathy, metaphorically strengthens.
There are times you must allow others to be the strength “in the midst” of your storm. Life is full of troubles and blessings. The most valuable thing as humans that we can do is to compassionately share another person’s burden. Help each other to go over to the other side. Together, strength comes to both. In that way, individuals become a bridge of strength to another. This is faith that bridges the gaps to help move us to higher ground.
Your Bridges from Engineering to Empathy
Reflectively, who are the bridges of strength in your life? Think about who are some of the people in your life that carried you over rough places? On the other hand, who do you strengthen? The mindset sets actions. The power of constructing bridges is in each of us. God gives people opportunities to become bridges in the lives of others. Is there someone who truly requires your empathy today? Being a bridge of empathy is a personal choice. Will you choose to be an obstacle? Or will you choose to be a bridge “over troubled water?” What is your response when the opportunity to help another person(s) arises? Is there a place to show empathy?
Better – Learning from Labor
Those who professionally construct bridges learn from their labor. That is, a great contractor desires that each bridge is better than the last. No two bridges are the same. Circumstances and people are agents of change. When life brings troubles, how great it is to have a bridge that will carry you over the obstacles. Even more, when you can be a bridge to help another, will you choose wisely to make things better? Or will you sit back and wait for someone else to be the bridge for better?
Final Thought – Harvest Your Expectation
What do you expect from life? Or from others, what do you want? We harvest what we plant. If you expect good, then plant good. Intuitively, there are always two forces fighting against each other – good and evil. We expect that sowing good seeds in rich soil will yield a good crop. So, building bridges that strengthen the good in others makes you a better person. Internally, you will change from the outside and manifest better. The result is the Power of Bridges: From Engineering to Empathy! It is faith in action that bridges the gaps.
Today, help another to cross over. For more like this one, we suggest Blessings During and After Captivity – Part 2 or