Tag Archive for: Covered Bridges

Built to Withstand the Weather

Many people love covered bridges. They stir nostalgia – allowing memories of another time to come to mind.

As part of their charm, these structures often draw much speculation to why they were built. It seems, thanks Hollywood, chivalry and courting come to mind for many.

However, the real reason for covered bridges was more utilitarian. They were originally built to protect the structure from the weather.

While maybe not as inspiring as a love story written for the big screen, there’s something just as noble and powerful to the reason behind covered bridges.

We often look at the outward appearances of people and things. Yet, we don’t look at their inner beings – who or what they really are. While an appearance may make for an attractive picture, the inside “guts” reveal the real structural integrity of a person or thing. It also makes us ask if the bridge (or person) is built to withstand life’s storms – and are they who they were created to be?

Covered bridges offer a unique, attractive perspective of a previous era. Yet, they also offer a great reminder that we must always look at what’s inside to make sure that it matches what is on the outside.

Have a great day!

😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Simpler Times

Stone fences are often associated with the New England states and rural Europe. Across much of the Midwest, where I’m from, fences made from boards or barbed wire are more common.

Likewise, covered bridges are often considered to be a thing of the past. While they can still be occasionally found, most of these structures are either restored or built to look old.

This picturesque Midwestern farm drive offers a glimpse into another time. With a covered bridge, and a stone fence lining part of its length, one feels like they’re traveling down “Memory Lane”.

Looking at this scene, it calls back to a time that seems simpler. Small farms, families working together, neighbors helping each other and communities coming together to worship are hallmarks of that era.

Today, we are often stressed out in our hustle and bustle. We lose more than we gain, as we miss out on time with God, family and friends.

This picture is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. Let’s make sure that we’re investing our time in the people who truly matter in our lives.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Farm’s Covered Bridge

 

This little covered bridge spans a small stream on a farm drive. I’ve driven by it hundreds of times – and have passed through it on a few occasions, as well.

Sitting in the trees, the small structure is partially obscured by the foliage during the warm months of the year.  I think that those trees and leaves offer an added sense of tranquility to the scene.

Covered bridges offer a nostalgic, timeless glimpse back to days long ago.  They allow us to remember times that, compared to now, don’t seem to have been so hectic and hurried.

I love scenes like this because they force me to slow down.  An image like this has the ability to help me to reflect on the people and things that are truly important in life.

A bridge also has another important function.  It spans a body of water or other barrier – connecting two pieces of land or a couple of buildings that are separated from one another.  These links allow the flow of people, materials or information to be passed with little or no hindrance.

Thinking about this covered bridge, I’ve been thinking how often barriers are formed between us and other people.  We’re separate individuals, who have our own identities, ideas and values.  Yet, there are common bonds that link us together – such as our heritage, ancestry, beliefs and views.

Deep down, each person wants to feel appreciated and linked to others.  In fact, it’s the central theme of the most widely-distributed book of all times:  the Bible.  Christ serves as a bridge – offering a redemptive connection between God and people.

While not as common as they once were, covered bridges offer a glimpse into the past.  They also allow us to reach places and people who would otherwise be inaccessible.

Have a great day!

😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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