Are You a Bridge Builder?

By John Boe

Biography is one of my favorite TV shows because it pays tribute to the accomplishments of well-known, successful men and women. I gain insight and inspiration from their stories of achievement and personal triumph over adversity. I find it interesting to note that successful people clearly understand the value of a role model and the power of a mentor's guidance. Each of these high-achievers are quick to express sincere praise for their mentors and the positive impact they had on their lives. They're grateful that someone recognized their talent and believed in them enough to help them develop their full potential.

There are two kinds of people in this world, those that build bridges and those that don't. Bridge builders are mentors who understand the power of a kind word and the importance of sincere praise. They're always available to share their talent and experience. Mentors are team players all the way and lead by example. These unselfish people invest their time and energy helping others avoid pitfalls along their chosen path. Bridge builders mentor without concern for personal gain or credit. They don't build bridges for the sake of recognition or tribute; they build because it's in their nature to encourage and support others.

As a boy, I recall reading a poem under the glass on my father's desk entitled The Bridge Builder. This insightful verse and its message of mentorship has served me well over the years and is a great example for all of us to emulate. If you're a bridge builder congratulations, the world is a far better place because of the difference you make in the lives of others. How many bridges have you built lately?

The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."

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