Straight paths

 The ladies bible study I have been a part of recently has had a different verse to memorize every week. Last weeks was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight."
 At least, that is what the NIV says.
 We were all allowed to pick what translation we wanted, whatever we were comfortable with. The book uses NIV, and as I switch out often, but grew up with NIV or NKJV, it was easy enough for me to use the NIV. All but one of the verses I had already memorized at some point in time during my life. One of them was a new attempt, and one of them was very rusty, but the other three have been like visits to old friends. Comforting, full of memories, and reminders of the strength of a lifetime spent in The Word. Once again, I am so very, amazingly grateful to my parents.
 But that is not what this post is about - just a side note of thankfulness thrown in!

 When I first memorized Pro 3:5-6, years ago, I memorized it in the NKJV. Rather then saying "make your paths straight" it says "He will direct your paths."
 That just seems so much more appropriate. The translation there seems to fit, at least in my life.

 I know that I cannot lean on my own education, because with every year the things I have already learned are swallowed alive by the new things needing to be learned now.
 I know that I cannot lean on my own experience, because I have tripped and fallen when I tried to do things "my way."
 I know that I cannot lean on my own judgement, because I certainly don't understand why people do what they do, think what they think, or live as they live.

 I know that I cannot lean on my own knowledge, because I can barely understand the basics of, say, physics.

 I know that I cannot lean on my own wisdom, because I don't always keep my eyes open and my mouth shut when I should.
 Most of all, I know that I cannot lean on my own understanding - because all of those things listed above are a lot to understand - and I don't.

 So, what does that mean?

 "In all your ways acknowledge Him." Acknowledge - "to recognize the rights, authority or status of - or  to express gratitude or obligation for" (Merriam-Webster's online dictionary)

 By acknowledging Him, I am letting Him know that I am giving Him the reins. Letting Him have the steering wheel, and the gas pedal, and the brakes too.
Ouch.

 But that is where the TRUST comes in. With all my heart. Because I have already Acknowledged that I cannot lean on my Own Understanding......

 But straight paths?

 I don't think so. 

 Even looking back, my paths are pretty twisty, and hilly, and sometimes full of potholes. 

 Looking forward at them, they sometimes seems insurmountable. 

 That is why I like the NKJV better. Even though they are not straight, I have complete faith that He "directs" my paths. Looking back, I can always see His gentle leading. The cliff I almost fell off, but didn't. The curve that was so sharp, but somehow I made it around without tipping. Those moments when I really was out of gas, truly and honestly, yet somehow kept running.
 Sometimes in the middle of it all, I really want some straight paths. But then, how would I grow? What would I have to teach later? And truthfully, how boring would that be?