Proverbs 3

Well, I was hit pretty hard with a weekend bug that kept me in bed most of the last few days. I'm finally starting to feel normal again, but I have this guilt hanging that I've made a promise to myself to stay on top of this devotional commitment. So I'll make an attempt here to "catch-up". Proverbs 3 Versus 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. When it has come to Susan and I, there have been many times where I have not understood God's plan using my own ability to think. We've had an amazing relationship since we met at the end of college, but it's been a bit bumpy along the way. From friendship, to deciding that we were interested in something more than friendship, to engagement, and finally to marriage, we've seen our share of tough relational times. But as I look back on each one, I can now see God's hand moving quietly behind the scenes. And I've had times where I've trusted in Him little to completely. But He has been faithful. It is not about my understanding, but about His plan. So as I look ahead for us I know what I have to do; keep my trust secure and try not to figure it out on my own, but walk forward anyway. I'll certainly be challenged in this in the coming months as Susan and I wait to hear about her MIT application, and although much of the situation of moving to Boston and changing our lives completely scares me to death, I pray to the Lord whenever it comes to mind, that His will be done and that I have the strength to do right by Him. I know that my understanding is so small, but I am comforted knowing that in the past, although I never understood a situation, that it always came out OK; and so will all the ones to come. Verse 6 then says that in all your ways acknowledge Him. Two weeks ago in church the pastor discussed how he did this in his daily life. It came down to simple prayers to God as he churned through the minutes of his day: Lord, I'm driving to work, please be with me... Lord, I'm going into a meeting, give me your words... Lord, I'm going to work-out, I give you the glory... etc, etc, etc. I thought about how simple that was. Of course the discipline had to be there, but the spiritual part was so simple...acknowledge that God is a part of every little thing. Then, as verse 6 says, He will make your paths straight. So for Susan and I, I am going to try to acknowledged God in everything... Lord, be a part of our wedding ceremony... Lord, we are sharing a meal together.... Lord, we are in a fight... etc, etc, etc. Like I said before, we've come on a bumpy road, and it still can have some bumps to come, but if I am trusting in God and including Him in the little things, then I do not have to trust on my own understanding, and although bumpy, my paths will be straight. -Bob