Being Okay with the Swerve

Sometimes I feel behind. Ideally, I wouldn't have gone to college twice. Yes, I did earn to bachelor degrees, but it did take me longer than I had anticipated. In many ways, it set me back both professionally and socially. The silver lining: I learned a lot in both my education and in life. As I look back, I try not to dwell on my decisions (or indecisions). Every path I have taken as leaded me to where I am today. God has paved the way for me, and He continues to lead me each day.

In the minister's sermon this morning, he talked about taking gravel roads verses interstates and highways. Visually, this all started to make sense to me. I know people that have mapped out their lives and stayed pretty close to those direct routes. Yes, they have made a few pit stops along the way, but for the most part, they (seemingly) have had a pretty smooth ride. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Well, I wouldn't really know because I've been on the gravel roads for most of my life. I'm not complaining, nor do I believe that I've had a hard life. The fact is, I've been swerving around trying to figure out quite a bit on my own. It's allowed me to become an independent woman, something I never thought I would be. My route may not be the most direct, but it's mine. The order of things may be different from what I had in mind. The amount of time it's taken me to figure things out may not always be very efficient, but it's allowed me to learn. 

As I write this, I realize that all of these "setbacks" have shaped me and continue to do so. The important thing to remember is that God is behind all of them. He doesn't have "setbacks." All things work together for good for those that love God (Romans 8:28). Yes, I may be swerving more than others, but God is teaching me and guiding me through. Learning to trust is not always easy, but surrendering my life to Him was the best decision I've ever made.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6)