Smooth Sailing

“May the wind be always at your back, & your sails always full,” is an ambiguous statement, unless you are an avid sailor. But the meaning is not lost on us landlubbers. I was in the U.S. Navy long after wind power stopped being used to propel ships of any major size over the waves. Of course, the meaning in that verse has nothing to do with deep water, trying get somewhere, or the hope that you get to your destination across the waters with comfort. It is simply a statement issuing optimism that all will go well with you. Not bad. Not at all. It is a cutesy way of wishing someone smooth sailing in life.

But…

There is a better way of expressing that sentiment. Proverbs 3: 5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all you heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Certainly, I wish for you to have smooth sailing, but I would rather cheer you on to trust in the Lord with all your heart, letting Him show you what vehicle you need to arrive wherever He would like you to go.

Oh… and not leaning on your own imaginations is the key!