Trust in ADONAI [the LORD] with all your heart,
lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6, TLV

Scary Bridges?   It was after midnight. My future mother-in-love and I were driving back from visiting my future hubby, who was in Navy boot camp outside Chicago. The day had been emotional and long, making the nearly six-hour drive back to St. Louis arduous.

The tires droned as I tried to keep my MIL — and myself — awake. We chatted about everything, but as the droning continued and her sweet voice chattered away, my eyelids drooped.

We were only an hour away from home when I reasoned to myself, I trust her to get us home. My eyes sealed themselves into the sleep position, until …

“I’m about to nod off, Terri. Can you take over driving?” She pulled over to the shoulder so we could exchange roles. Now I was in the driver’s seat, and she the trusting passenger.

Uhhhh.

Lean not on your own understanding …

I was okay for the first fifteen minutes — fear and adrenalin kept my heartrate up and my eyes open. Then the tires sang their lullaby.

Up ahead was the ancient Jefferson Barracks Bridge—they’ve since built a nice shiny, new one—I gripped the wheel and prayed. Not because I’m one of those who fear crossing bridges — I rather enjoy it — but this steel and concrete expanse was moving! Waving like a flag in the wind!

Now, in my head I knew that the bridge wasn’t moving. Obviously, my eyes were playing games with my sleep deprivation. Knowing that, however, did nothing to alleviate my freaking out. (Hey, it was the 70s, that’s what we said back then.)

As I drove over the not-really-rolling JB Bridge, I kept praying. Boy, did I pray! It began with, “Oh, God! Oh, God!” then “Help me! Help me!”.

Despite the inelegant prayers, I had to trust that He would see us home in one piece. And that trust was as wavering as that bridge.

Lesson learned

Obviously, we made it home safe and sound as this was nearly 50 years ago. Nevertheless, it was a lesson deeply ingrained in me: my understanding is not always right. What I see is not always true. Or more accurately, what I think I see is not always true.

Trusting in the LORD, leaning on Him, is the safest road to take. Just know that our trust can be a bit wavering, too. When we realize there is no possible way to do something on our own, we can strengthen our trust muscle. Then when there are tasks, we think we can do on our own—and shouldn’t—we’ll remember those impossibles and how He came through. And why His way is the best way.

Even over scary, waving bridges.