Editorial December 29, 1997 Issue

Building bridges, building character

William E. Moody

I've never been an engineer, an architect, or a bridge builder. But I love bridges. There are wonderful bridges in New York, in London, in San Francisco, along the rural backroads of New England. A substantial grace and symmetry are evident in their very design. And though I've never built one, I can imagine that the model for each bridge, its complete plan with every element—each girder, cable, span, and foundation footing—needs to be established first in thought. I'm sure it takes considerable dedication, and even inspiration, to design and construct a bridge that serves its purpose well, that stands strong and secure, and that is also beautiful and graceful at the same time.

Something similar might be said of a person's character. I think perhaps we build character in our lives in somewhat the same way a bridge is built. We have to give careful attention to the model, to what purpose we want our lives to fulfill, and then dedicate ourselves to expressing those positive, constructive qualities of thought which enable us to serve that purpose honestly and well. And certainly we'll want to build character that remains strong and that is also both beautiful and graceful.

To build character in our lives we need a good model and a good foundation. And the best place to start is with God, the creator of each of us as the Child of God. Inherent in our true nature as God's creation, His spiritual reflection, are wonderful qualities—integrity, purity, joy, grace, harmony, beauty, holiness. The source of these qualities, and every good quality, is God alone. He is the designer, the architect, of our distinct spiritual identity and individuality.

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