Josh Wilson - That Was Then, This Is NowChikamu

This Is The Day

A few months ago, my friend James called and asked if I wanted to drive to Maryland with him. He said his grandfather had built a toll bridge there in the 1940s and it was one of only four remaining privately owned toll bridges in the nation. He had never seen it and decided it was time to check it out. “Sure,” I said, “When do you want to go?” James answered, “Tomorrow.”

I had plans that week to continue writing music for my new album, but the spirit of adventure and spontaneity got the best of me. I agreed to go on the trip, but only on the condition that we wrote songs as we went along. We adventured up to Maryland over the course of a couple days, camping and sightseeing along the way. 750 miles later, we arrived at the bridge and learned a little more about James’ grandfather, Melvin Carpenter.

In the 40s, Mr. Carpenter worked right across the Potomac River from where he lived, but the nearest bridge was 30 minutes away from his house. Every day, he had to spend an hour driving to and from work. He asked his city government if he could build a bridge, and they said he needed to talk to the state. The state told him to talk to the federal government. The federal government told him that he would need an act of congress. So… he got one. He got an act of congress. That’s incredible.

He built his toll bridge and could then get to work in five minutes. With the money he made from tolls, he put his daughter through college.

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God has made this day, and it’s the only time we’re promised. Why put off what He’s calling you to do today? Someday never comes. What’s the toll bridge in your life God is calling you to build? Start on it today.