You have probably heard about the controversial “bridge to nowhere” proposed to lead from Ketchikan, Alaska to Gravina Island. It became a national embarrassment and symbol of wasteful government spending on political pet projects in the early 2010’s
Another famous bridge to nowhere exists in the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California. Construction started in 1936. In 1938 a massive flood washed through the San Gabriel river and changed the entire landscape surrounding the bridge. The half-finished project was abandoned and now the bridge is just a popular hiking destination where visitors just gaze at a pointless structure spanning the river.
When I took this picture, in 2014, Julie and I were on our 15th anniversary trip somewhere in the deserts of Arizona. What struck me about this road is it’s intentionality. This road unquestionably leads to somewhere. It was cut straight through the desert with no regard to the path of least resistance. It boldly provides it’s passersby with the most efficient route from point A to point B.
This image is special to me because it tells a story of our journey through trying and difficult times in our lives. It represents the pathway that the Maker cuts for us through the arid seasons of our journey.
He knows that in order for us to get to his intended destination, we have to travel through some deserts. He has intentionally and clearly provided a way through those difficult times that gets us efficiently and purposely from point A to point B.
The way is obvious if we open our eyes to see the side rails, safety barriers, and signage. If we stay between the lines, He will lead us out of the desert and into the fulfillment that He planned, uniquely and distinctly, for each of us before time began.
However, if we fail to stay on His course and attempt to blaze our own trail, we will likely be well into a massive project trying to bridge the gap between our reality and where we think we ought to be. That failed building project will most likely leave us with wasted time, needless baggage, and a bridge that leads to nowhere.
Stay the course.
Keep the faith!
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
– Psalm 23:1-4 (NIV)
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Photo Details: Taken on a Nikon D300 and a Nikkor 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 | ISO 200 | 18mm | f/13 | 1/250
