Why Covered Bridges

 

On my blog, over the past five Sundays, I’ve posted pictures of covered bridges that I have visited. At first, I just used those pictures because I had them, and I think the historic covered bridges are just so cool, reminiscent of a time gone by.

But then my mind started really mulling it over, and I decided that a metaphor of these old bridges could describe our faith.

As you know, a covered bridge has decking for the road, a roof, and siding, which in most cases creates an almost complete enclosure. The purpose of the roof and siding is to protect the wooden structure from the weather. Uncovered wooden bridges typically last only 20 years due to rain and sun, but a covered bridge can last over 100 years.

In addition to protecting the roadway of the covered bridges, the roof and siding also sheltered travelers from the elements, kept skittish horses from seeing the water below, and added strength and rigidity to the bridge.

          And what does that have to do with faith, besides believing a sturdy bridge is a safe bridge?

          It’s kinda like the parable Jesus told about scattering seeds. Some fell on the road, some on the rocks, some among thorns, and some on fertile ground. The seeds in the last place were the only ones to grow and become fruitful.

          Back to the bridge. Just like the wood on the covered bridge is protected from rain, snow, and the sun’s hot rays, we need to protect our faith. We need to spend time among other believers, read our Bible, pray, and cherish our friendship with Jesus. We need to keep our bridge of faith sturdy, strong, and safe so that we can follow the road to heaven.

This is Holliwell Bridge, one of the bridges of Madison County, Iowa. At the top of the page is Zumbrota Bridge in Zumbrota, Minnesota, which is the last remaining historic bridge in that state.