Introduction
I invite everyone to cozy up for our time for all ages this morning. Today we are talking about bridges. Bridges both literally/physically connect us across distances, and metaphorically too. What are your bridges, your practices and actions, that keep you connected to other people. What are your connections to other people?
Our story will help us think about our connections in a deeper way: This is “Building the Bridge as We Cross It.”
Story
Once upon a time, there were two villages—the Sun village and the Moon village. They were separated by a deep canyon.
And for a long time, both villages existed separately, across the canyon, happily humming along in life. They knew the other was there, but never had much cause to interact.
Both villages were beautiful, with natural space to play and sit and contemplate life’s big questions. The people of each village helped their community when times were hard. Cooking food, creating beautiful art and music full of questions and insight, playing with the children by making forts and baking cookies. Writing heartfelt letters and poetry, which they read before village meetings.
One day, an earthquake hit the Sun village and shook everything so badly it felt like things had turned upside down. Buildings crumbled, streets buckled, water flooded some places. The villagers were distraught. They did their best to recover their homes, community buildings, and supplies, but they soon could tell it wasn’t enough.
When the Moon village heard the commotion and saw the destruction across the canyon, they felt heartbroken for their neighbors. They said to each other, “What can we do? We have to help!” The Moon village knew they had a lot to offer: much needed support, extra hands to rebuild, temporary homes, supplies, care for the children and elders. They felt called to rise up and care. Because a stronger network of care means a stronger community.
They had a vision, but didn’t have the plan. And it’s really hard to come up with ideas when you feel scared and urgent.
One precocious young child spoke up and said, “Why don’t we just build a bridge to connect our two villages?”
It was a marvelous idea. Only, none of them had ever done anything quite like that before and they didn’t know how to build a bridge.
Some wanted to map out the whole design beginning to end.
Some wanted a step-by-step checklist of people, supplies, etc.
Some wanted to talk to all the experts and get each villager’s input.
The child piped up again. “We have a lot of materials and thoughtful people. But we don’t have a lot of time. Why don’t we just start building and learn what we need as we go. We can build the bridge as we cross it!”
It was true. There were people who were hurt, and they needed to begin feeding and caring for the Sun village. Well, after that bit of wisdom, the Moon villagers got to work.
Each Moon villager contributed. They shared their wood, others cables, some brought their tools. Some were able to stay for days at a time, others focused on teaching the proper building techniques. Even away from the bridge, villagers collected relief supplies for the Sun village, and some contributed funds to buy spare parts and supplies. It was a sustained effort, and each had time and something to give.
And as the bridge began to come together, it wasn’t always pretty. They’d try something and maybe it didn’t work or a piece didn’t fit. That was tough, but the builders made sure to move back and try again. Sometimes, no one knew exactly what to do next, which is such an uncomfortable feeling. Over time they trusted themselves and each other enough to learn the way.
Finally the bridge was complete and everyone was able to cross over to both villages and share resources and support.
Suddenly they found themselves joined together, soaking up all the differences between the Sun and Moon villages. New foods, new fabrics, new music, new ways of seeing the world. Each was so grateful for the gift of witnessing their neighbors’ culture. And they were grateful to see what values they shared: a deep love and connection; caring for family and community.
In time, the Sun village was rebuilt, and their villagers returned home. But they always remained connected by the bridge. Things sometimes went wrong with it. A board would snap, bundles of supplies would fall. And each time they got together and figured out what kind of repair was needed, and then they got to work.
The bridge has lasted generations.
The villagers are fond of the story of its building. Often they face tough situations with many possible paths forward and potential pitfalls. Instead of getting stuck in the overwhelm, they think about their bridge and gently remind each other, “We can do this. Remember, we can build the bridge as we cross it.”
Wondering Questions
I wonder, what are your bridges, or connections, to the people who live nearby to you? Neighborhood play dates, going to school together? What about your connections to people who live far away from you?
I wonder, when have you had to choose between many different options for doing something lately? Maybe you had to figure out how to make a new friend, or solve really difficult homework problem.
What is the most comfortable way of solving problems for you: Are you most comfortable when you can plan everything out beforehand? When you get lots of other people’s opinions? When you jump right in and figure it out as you go?
What kinds of things help you feel connected to other people?