I stand on a bridge and look over the rail. First, I contemplate where the water came from, and second, I move to the other side and I try to imagine where it is going. My life's experiences are like the water flowing under that bridge. Looking back, I see clearly how each and every experience has shaped my life and given me perspectives that can come by no other way.
Some of those experiences were planted into my life's garden by bad choices. Like weeds, they grew and nearly strangled me and ruined my beautiful garden! But, I gathered strength and pulled each and every one of those nasty weeds out of my garden, making it easier to grow again. Bad choices just seem to creep in sometimes when you least expect them But if I catch them early and recognize them for what they are, reverse my course, "pull the little weed," then my work later won't be so hard. And those experiences become just "water under the bridge."
Mostly, I have made extremely good choices which have nourished me and helped me to grow in oh, so many ways! Good choices, like choosing to go to a place where I could find a good man to marry; choices like wanting and having a large family; and choices like staying close to my Savior when I need Him most. Those choices are like the sunshine that nourishes my garden. Whenever I let the light of the Gospel into my life, and pray often, then I can move easily along the path of my life, and my journey is not burdened with noxious weeds. Good experiences are also "water under that bridge!"
Such has been the experiences of my life thus far. Now, I step to the other side of the bridge and watch the water flow farther and farther away from me. I have no idea where the rest of my life is going, nor do I know where the water will end, but I do know the direction I have chosen for my life. All of our future experiences cannot be seen, because we do not know what storms may come; what unexpected choices we will be faced with; what lies at the end of the journey. And so, the water's destination and my own are unknown.
I have plotted my course and it leads me to a glorious end in heaven surrounded by all of the family and friends who have traveled their own path to reach their goals. That much is my greatest desire and I work daily to reach it! Oh, what a glorious day that will be. I truly look forward to it!
Meanwhile, I will set my canoe upon those waters and travel along the way to my destination, welcoming whatever new experience the Good Shepherd has in store for me. I know it probably sounds a little morbid to speak of these things, but I am in the sunset of my life. I've lived much longer than I ever anticipated I would. At some point, known only to the Lord, it will end.
Many days, I feel like I can continue on my journey for another 10-20 years. My aging body is slowing down, but my heart and my mind are not. If the Good Lord permits it, perhaps I shall see His glorious Second Coming. I would love that! But, alas, we do not know when that day will be. It could be very soon in our time, or somewhere in the distance. Nevertheless, all the righteous of the world will rejoice and I picture even the confused ones seeing His light and falling to their knees ready to repent and they, too shall receive Him.
Meanwhile, I will stand on my proverbial bridge and ponder!
