How many of us have come across an old bridge on our journey in life and saw all of the broken and open areas and wondered if it would be safe enough to cross, if we could just pick our way through the bad areas?

I know that when we come upon this situation when we are by ourselves, if what we see on the other side is worth it, typically we will take the chance and cautiously cross over. Now picture having your wife, daughter or young son with you. You now look through the holes in the bridge, see the rushing water and spend a whole lot more time trying to decide if the risk is worth the reward.

I had the opportunity to have two more heart surgeries this fall and now I find myself on a trail with an old broken wooden bridge standing in the way. If it where just me, I would keep taking the risks and keep on exploring life until I fell through the cracks. But as I look over my shoulder, I see my beautiful wife and daughters and have to step back and decide if the risk is worth the reward.
I know I don't want them to see me look weak, they are used to me leading, but I also know that if I take a wrong step, I could leave them or lead them into a situation that is non-recoverable.

So the moral of the story is this, when you are on the path of life, ask the Good Lord for guidance, talk with your spouse and kids and make sure that you can tuck your ego into your pocket long enough to listen to those around you and the Man upstairs.

Keep smiling and keep going, just remember to ask for guidance and then be smart enough to not let your ego override the answers you get.
Thanks,
Jim