Lowestoft’s new bridge is progressing. After many years of waiting, most of the bridge has been put in place, approach roads have been built either side… We’re waiting for the final middle bridge section.
We’re told that the final span will arrive in January, and the bridge, linking North Lowestoft to South Lowestoft, will finally be open later in 2024.
Yesterday’s news… Israel’s attacks on Hamas in Gaza. There were pictures of bombings, destruction, injury, death… There has been a call for a cease-fire so that humanitarian aid can reach those in need…
On one side there are innocent civilians – women, children – who need food, medical attention, help and support; on the other side there are those who are ready and able to supply it. The middle bridge section is missing.
Reflecting on my own experience… Autumn leaves blow off the trees they need raking up. I know what to do and how to do it. I have all of the gear… There is the need and the opportunity, but no action. The missing bridge section is missing
I haven’t seen George and Annie for some time; George and Annie would like me to visit. I’m willing and able. The middle bridge section is missing. It hasn’t happened.
Watching recent floods, I’ve return to ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’…
When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I’ll dry them all…
The troubled waters exist, but there is an answer, there is help out there… the human compassion, empathy and practical help, perhaps the divine presence or intervention…
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
But what if the bridge is incomplete, partly washed away by the troubled waters, not fully constructed… the middle section is missing…
Before the bridge can be operational and beneficial it needs to be complete, safe, solid… Perhaps I need to take the initiative, constructing, repairing, completing the middle section.
malcolmsmusings.org 
The missing bridge reminded me that Jesus is the missing bridge between us and a personal relationship with God, so thankful for Jesus death and resurrection and his sacrifice as our missing bridge.
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Thanks for the reminder, David. It’s an illustration I’ve often used in the past. In some versions the cross is that missing middle section.
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Malcolm, your thoughts bring to mind that, sometimes, we are the human bridges God uses to reach others in need. Like the Paul Simon song says, “I will lay me down.” But this means the “I” in the song will likely get muddy, be bruised, and suffer a bit from the traffic. In other words, serving others means giving them a piece of ourselves, and, hopefully, connecting them with supernatural help, as well.
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Thanks, David, I like that – that ‘I will lay me down’ isn’t necessary pleasant or comfortable, including potentially both the human and the divine… That’s really helpful.
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A great reminder to build bridges to each other. Thanks, Malcolm!
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You’re right, Wynne. Too often I’ve expected others to build them for me, or thought that it’s their responsibility.
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