Bridges

One of the most important conversations, that I have ever had with my late grandmother, was about the paths or the choices that I may make with my life. I think for every child, young adult, older male or female, that its very important to have someone that can mentor them or guide them in the right direction. We all must realize that each of us crosses bridges everyday and we all must be very careful not to burn them on our way across them. How can we burn our bridges you may ask? Well that's quite simple, by disrespecting people, hurting people along the way or saying something wrong out of anger that can hurt some peoples feelings for a lifetime. That's why we as parents, grandparents, Pastors, Ministers or Priest should be careful when giving advice to those who may need it. Because if we plant the wrong seeds or give the wrong advice, then only bad things can come from it. Without the proper guidance one can become lost and I thank God for my loving late grandmother, because she truly cared for me. My grandmother was very careful to explain to me that any choice I may make in my future will come with a consequence some good, while others bad.

I remember my mother or father telling me to always treat people with respect, especially my elders. My mother would say," Respect those who have come before you or I , for one day you will be just like them. Both of them were very quick to remind me that one day with the grace of God that I myself one day may become old or an elder. My father would always tell me to open doors for young women whenever they were behind me. I remember his words just like it was yesterday when he would say," Charles open up that door for that young lady, because one day some man may open that same door for your sister , daughter or grand daughter in the future". I laugh at it now, but I would tell my father, that he didn't have to worry about me having any children, because I didn't want any and I would do everything in my power not to have any children. Now look at me now a father of four, with  very six beautiful grandchildren three boys' and three girls. Like my late grandmother would say," Stop laughing at people, because one day you might catch what they got". For those who don't understand my grandmothers southern Cajun slang or expressions. What she meant by this," Never laugh at a persons circumstances or failures, because its a good chance that same experience may be your own".

As I think of my life, I have encountered many people of different races or cultures. Some of them respect you for who you are , while others don't, but that is the way of life and that each of us will have to adjust too. Too me( because I was raised that way) color or race doesn't mean a thing , because I know in my heart, that we are all Gods children and he created us all to be different for his own reasons or glory. I just try my best to learn from those who are different, because only God knows why or the reason why our paths have crossed. I always believed that nothing happens in life without a reason or nothing happens by chance. My father used to always tell me to learn as much as I can about different people and to always treasure every friendship. My father would always tell me that we all live in a very small world and you may never know when you might come across the person you just met again. Like he would always say, Sometimes its not what you know, but who you know that may make a difference in your life. What he meant by this is when you are looking for a job or need a special favor, the person that you may have met in your past may be the key too your future. What ever bridge I may cross in the future, I always remember what my late grandmother would always say," Never burn your bridges, because you never know when or why you may need to cross back over them again". Bridges each of us crosses over them through out our lives everyday!

Have a blessed night,

Charles
Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

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Isaiah 48:17 This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.