Bridge Over Troubled Water

And when Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm.
Matthew 8:23-27

This Gospel episode must have been the inspiration for Simon and Garfunkel’s song “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, one of my all-time favorites. There have been many instances in my life when storms raged and I was very afraid like the apostles were. And I have prayed as they had: “Lord, save me. I am perishing. Calm the tempests in my life and still the turmoil in my heart.” The fact that I am still around, hale and whole, is proof enough for me that prayers work. “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.”

There have also been people in my life who have been God’s instruments in helping calm these storms in my life. I am grateful for their presence in my life at such critical junctures. A smile, a comforting word, a reassuring touch, a warm embrace, a tender kiss – that is all it takes to still the waters. “When you’re weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all.”

I have also been blessed to have brought some peace and calm into the lives of some who are dear to me. I am grateful for and humbled by the privilege for being at the scene at such critical junctures in their lives. Some times by design and decision, some times by accident of the occasion. And all I could really offer was my presence. Some times an offer of money or food or clothes or just plain physical assistance as well. “When you’re down and out When you’re on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you.”