Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey
In my travels around California, I rarely had the chance to cross many bridges. I’ve always been somewhat fascinated by bridges and their construction, so every time I traveled over one, it felt like a thrill. Here in Louisiana, as I mentioned, there is a lot of water, which obviously means there are many bridges. My thoughts on bridges were sparked by a trip to the Sarto Old Iron Bridge the week before Halloween. Interestingly, I published a story about the bridge and its ghost on the very morning of my visit, not knowing that my work-related travels that day would take me right by it. Naturally, I couldn't resist stopping by.
The bridge and the surrounding area are said to be home to a spectral cowboy and his horse. Intriguingly, every time I have visited this area, I have felt a peaceful and relaxed vibe rather than a creepy one. I reflected on this for a bit, said a little prayer while standing atop the bridge, and then the reason for my ease became clear. There was no reason to feel any other way because I was walking the grounds with the Holy Spirit, and nothing there could harm me. This realization alone seemed like a perfect topic for a devotional, but God had more experiences in store for me.
The following week, I traveled to the Shreveport/Bossier City area for an early safety meeting. After these meetings, I like to find a nice, secluded spot to take a walk, stretch my legs, and spend some time with the Lord. As fate would have it, I was led to the Louisiana Boardwalk along the Red River. For those unfamiliar with it, the Louisiana Boardwalk is an appealing outlet mall that has been in decline for some time. It’s not run down or junky; rather, the rent is high, and many of the shops have closed, which is a real shame. Nonetheless, the location provided the seclusion I was seeking. It was pleasant and offered a great view of the river and downtown Shreveport on the opposite bank. Towering overhead is the massive Long-Allen Bridge, which spans the river and connects the two cities (See the photo above).
Little did I know that this morning would revolve around gratitude. As I strolled through the mall, I began to reminisce about my life back in Southern California, where I must have visited outdoor malls like this one dozens of times. I quickly realized how much I missed experiences like that. This mall is one of just a couple of its kind in the entire state, and there’s nothing remotely similar near my home, which is a two-hour drive away.
As I walked past the Regal Cinema, I felt the Lord gently nudging me to sit down. I found a table and chairs in the shade and obeyed his prompt. It was then that the Lord began to minister to me. I recalled the countless times I had been in malls like this one. I even envisioned the area around me filled with busy shoppers, and I could see myself observing everyone. My wife, Terri, soon arrived with burgers and fries she had purchased nearby. We enjoyed our meal and the ambiance around us. After finishing, we went into the theater and watched a film—it was a wonderful fantasy.
But in that moment, I received a message: while I had experienced joy in places like this many times, I had never felt truly grateful. I had taken those moments for granted. I never realized the importance of expressing gratitude, as I had lived in a place where such experiences were plentiful and readily available. Now, things were different, and it had been longer than I could remember since I had enjoyed a moment like this. I felt truly humbled, and tears began to fill my eyes.
I prayed first for forgiveness, and then I asked for the opportunity to live near a city again, so I could experience moments like this once more. However, I knew that if God answered that prayer, my perspective would need to change. I couldn't live in a place like that the way I had before; I would have to be grateful for the blessings around me and remember to thank God every single day.
The next message was clear: I need to be thankful for what I have now because I am truly blessed. How can God bless me with more if I’m not grateful for what I already possess? It was a profoundly humbling and moving experience, but God wasn’t done yet.
Just two days later, I traveled over the bridge that spans the mighty Mississippi River between Vidalia, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Once in Natchez, one of my favorite places, I always visit the park up on the bluffs above the river. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch my legs after a long drive and spend time with God; let’s face it, the view is amazing. I also tend to run into the nicest people there. Is everyone in Natchez always this happy?
As I stood along the walkway, admiring the bridge and the water, God gave me the third part of His message. While staring at the bridge, I realized how it serves as a metaphor for my walk with Him. A bridge allows us to overcome obstacles like rivers, roads, or railroads. It also enables travel from one area to another, from one state to another, or metaphorically, from our past to our future.
Looking at the bridge before me, it became clear that one side represented my past, while the other side stood for my future and the life God has for me. Where am I now? Somewhere on the bridge, walking with the Holy Spirit, aspiring to be better and grow in my faith.
A funny visual popped into my mind—have you ever looked at a directory in a mall or airport and seen a yellow square with the words "You Are Here" along with an arrow pointing to your location on the map? I envisioned that yellow square floating above the bridge, pointing to my present location on it. I hope I’m closer to the "God's plan" side than the "past" side.
It was inspiring to be reminded that where I am and the experiences I'm having are part of God's divine plan to grow me and teach me. One day, I will arrive at the destination He has for me and my family. This revelation was humbling and deeply impactful.
How quickly can I transition from the past to that promised future? Well, that depends on me and how fast I’m willing to align my plans with God's plans. I pray that your bridges be short ones.
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