Well, hello, my friends, and welcome to the Live Inspired podcast with John O'Leary Monday Morning Moments.

I record these so you and I can begin our days and our weeks in awe and on fire with a

burst of inspiration. Sometimes that burst comes from a question today. It's coming with a quote

for my old buddy Albert Pike. Pike wrote this. What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and for the world remains and is immortal.

One of my favorite poems is titled The Bridge Builder.

It was written by Will Allen Drumgoole, and this poem challenges us, you're going to hear it in a moment,

to realize that we can make a mighty difference

regardless of our age. It prompts us to seek opportunities to empower others to achieve greatness

in their lives. And it reminds us that despite the mighty needs in the world today, and there

are many, the time has never been better to knock down walls that separate us in order to build bridges that unite us.

This poem always gives me pause to appreciate the individuals who elevate my life

and remind me of my own opportunity to do likewise in the lives of others.

So buckle up, get ready to cross this bridge with me together

as I share with you now my favorite poem. It's called the bridge builder. An old man going alone highway.

Came at the evening cold and gray to a chasm vast and deep and wide through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim. The sullen stream had no fear for him, but he turned,

when safe on the other side, and built a bridge to span the tide.

"'Old man,' said a fellow pilgrim near.

You're wasting your strength with building here.

Your journey will end with the ending day.

You never again will pass this way.

You've crossed this chasm deep and wide.

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