Not far from the house where I grew up was a swinging bridge suspended above a narrow creek. It was a rickety suspension of boards and ropes just wide enough to walk across with ropes as handholds for balance.

Many times my friends and I would ride our bikes to that bridge, make our way precariously to the middle, and sit on that unstable structure for long periods of time discussing boys and other teenaged drama topics. As long as we sat still, it was a very peaceful setting-a nice shady spot with a bubbling stream below us. I have many precious memories of those moments.

I recently walked across a series of swinging bridges suspended by cables through treetops in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. While these structures were more secure than the one from my childhood, crossing them was still an unsteady, wobbly trek – especially when a young boy was stomping his feet as he crossed behind me or when my friend intentionally caused one of the bridges to sway from side to side! Walking steadily was a struggle and required stabilizing myself by holding on to the heavy handrail rope.

The widows’ walk can often be like crossing a swinging bridge. As you take that first step, the path seems uncertain and unsafe. It’s frightening to look at the path ahead and the dangers lurking below. The bridge isn’t wide enough to accommodate anyone to walk beside you for support -you’re on your own. Once you’re totally on the bridge and forced to continue, the footing isn’t secure. Each step causes the pathway to move and sway. Other factors compound your journey: circumstances, environment, physical capabilities, and others traveling with you all affect your walk.

Sometimes trudging along feels like little or no progress. The unsteady walk is exhausting, frightening, unsure, and unsteady. Getting to the other side seems impossible.

How can we make it safely across the perilous path?

• Take 1 step at a time. Even small steps forward will lead to eventual progress. Steady steps will take you where you’re headed.

• Hold on to secure boundaries. Stay within a safe area and tightly grip the supports you need to keep you from falling.

• Look ahead, not down or around. Focus on where you are going. Don’t get distracted by real or perceived dangers.

• Allow others to walk with you who are steady themselves. Avoid those who cause your path to be difficult to travel.

• Above all, rely on the Lord for support and guidance as you cross the uncertain ground called grief and in the adjustment to your new life. Only He can truly give you the comfort and strength to endure the walk. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go..Psalm 32:8

Even though it’s a shaky and unsteady path, you can make it across the expanse to a firmer road up ahead. It takes time and effort to get there, but the results are worth it.

Take the steps forward despite the uncertainty and the obstacles. You can make it!

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:25-26