Picking up on last week’s blog post, and Chapter 2 of The Bridge from OneDayBow; Tim and his friend shared a similar frustration as they left the fairgrounds, but the conversation soon revealed a big difference: One was pursuing bobbles while the other was pursuing purpose. How do I know that?

Think about it: His friend’s disappointment stemmed from his inability to get “enough” bobbles. If Tim were genuinely concerned, why not send his friend to the tempter who had offered him the opportunity to be “the all-time winner in the Great Bobble Game”? Just because Tim didn’t want to give up his own nooma didn’t mean his friend shared those same convictions. If the bobbles could satisfy his friend, why not encourage him in the pursuit?
But, even if it might not be true?

On the other hand, was Tim off base and insensitive to bring up the Bridge? Obviously it was a controversial and unwelcome subject since the friend left. Should Tim have kept silent, especially in light of the negative response? It wasn’t even that Tim was “preaching.” He was looking for information. He was looking for purpose.

Enter Emma. I said I like Tim, and I do, but the word I have for Emma is admiration. She has a confidence and courage that is mixed with compassion, and she’s more concerned with truth than possible rejection. Had she heard the conversation between Tim and his friend? Did she see all the people quickly rushing by when Tim mentioned the Bridge? Why was she there, and why then? (I’m sticking by divine appointment!)

Emma is there because of the Bridge. She’s seen it, she’s crossed it, and she has met the King. She is unashamedly one of the People of the Book… even if Tim might not realize what that even means. She was willing to listen to his views, and she hoped he’d want to know more about the Bridge. A small pamphlet put in the hands of a reluctant Tim was at least a start, and hopefully the beginning of real answers.

I do admire Emma and am encouraged to be more courageous to speak the truth to anyone who might want to know. Her pursuit of purpose didn’t end when she crossed the Bridge—she’s living it.