The Swinging Bridge

On Memorial Day, my family decided to take a trip to Columbus Junction, Iowa. No, this wasn't just some random trip. I wanted to see the future town I would be teaching in! Yes, you read that right! I was offered a job in the small town of Columbus Junction; however, that job offer only lasted about 6 hours. Before you get too confused, let me explain. I was offered an elementary teaching position in Columbus Junction and I accepted it. Not even 6 hours later, the principal called to tell me that she had to revoke the offer. According to some contract, they had to hire back another teacher; therefore, the position I applied for was filled. I was bummed. This was my first actual job offer after 4 different interviews, and it was a relief to finally have a job! But, life likes to throw you curveballs, so it was back to the job hunt for me.

While we were driving up and down every street in Columbus Junction (literally!) scoping everything out, we came across the Swinging Bridge. I soon learned that it was constructed in 1886 and was originally called the Lovers Leap Bridge. The story goes that an Indian maiden jumped to her death in the ravine below. Apparently only the trees know, and they won't tell.

It wasn't until a few days later after filling out more job applications and having 2 more interviews that I realized in some weird, picturistic way, what I am going through right now is like the Swinging Bridge. This may not make any sense, but just hear me out.

Currently, I am in the middle of the Swinging Bridge. I just graduated college, and I have my whole life ahead of me. However, it isn't that easy to just cross to the other side of the bridge and reach the golden light at the end. The path ahead can be a bit rough and unsteady. (They aren't kidding when they say it is the "swinging" bridge.) Sometimes you hold on to the sides for dear life praying that you will make it through. You wonder if you will ever make it across the bridge. The fact that you don't know what is going to happen next scares you to death. Was that 4 years of hard work a waste of time? Will that college degree you spent all of that money on be put to good use?

I am here to tell you that I have these thoughts running through my mind all the time. Sure, you may be in the middle of that bridge with an unplanned life ahead of you. Yeah, it's scary and a little daunting, but Never Give Up. You may have heard these words before, but the meaning has never meant more to me than at this stage in my life right now. Three simple words that I kept repeating to myself whenever I had doubt. I knew that something great was on the horizon and that I was going to make it across that Swinging Bridge. All of these doubts and fears that I had were going to seem so small looking back. I was determined to reach that golden light.

If you take away anything from this post, I hope it is the fact that life cannot be planned. You can't walk right across that bridge without some obstacles (or swinging) along the way. Instead, embrace wherever you are at this moment. Maybe you are in the middle of the bridge. Maybe you are on the other side. Either way, take it all in and don't be afraid to let go of the railings. You might be surprised with what you see.