Bridging The Tide

     What, if anything, is of the Spirit in this photogragh?

     At first glance, a bridge, a structure crossing the tide, connecting two shores, built to span the waters and allowing passage across.

     Perhaps reminding us of the hopes of many that, now the elections are behind us, the parties might come together, find a way to bridge their differences, and in some semblance of unity work together to address the very real issues that confront us -- issues of substance, yes, two wars and a precarious economy and infrastructure needs and so much more, but also issues that go to the heart of how we will behave towards one another. Thoughts of reconciliation.

     Those of the Christian faith might notice the structure undergirding the bridge, reminiscent of what Jesus dragged up that hill outside Jerusalem some 2000 years ago, and wonder about a bridge between humanity and the Divine. Thoughts of another sort of reconciliation, perhaps.

     And maybe those who know this bridge, part of the boardwalk in Sandwich, Massachusetts, will see something else.  Noticing the ladder that drops from the mid-point of the bridge, they will see the bridge as it is in summertime, at high tide, crowded with children and youth and an occasional parent, all waiting for a chance to clamber up on the railing and then, after a nervous deep breath, that exhilerating Oh-My-God! plunge deep into the cool , salty waters.

     Perhaps they will see not discord, not opposing shores, and not even a bridge.

     Perhaps they will see a yellow brick road.

     What, of the Spirit or otherwise, do you see?