Why Shoes?

I spent many hours thinking about what to call my blog, and I kept coming back to something that had to do with shoes.  This could be because I absolutely love shoes or because once I get something in my head, I can’t think of anything else.  Anyway, there are two reasons why shoes are so great.  First,  no matter how much weight you gain or lose, your shoes always fit.  Second, a great pair of shoes can change an ordinary outfit into extraordinary.

The thing is every pair of shoes in my closet serves a different purpose.  I have a pair I wear for exercise, a pair for casual jeans versus the pair for dressier jeans, and of course multiple pairs for work.  I often think about my day and pick an outfit around the pair of shoes I need to wear that day.  If I’m going to be on my feet all day visiting school sites, I need to wear more comfortable shoes.  If my day will be spent sitting in meetings all day, it is the perfect day to pull out the killer heels.

However, it was just this last week, that I was caught unprepared and without the shoes I needed.  According to the local weather guy, it was going to be a beautiful day with rain in the evening.  I was going to be sitting in interviews all day, so out came a pair of stilettos that easily added four inches to my short stature.  As the interviews were coming to a close, I received a text message asking me to come over to a school site for an unexpected meeting.  I was glad to do this, unfortunately when approaching the doors to leave  the school, I quickly noticed the rain had come in early, and I was parked at the furthest end of the parking lot.  Trying to block some rain with the books in my hand, I headed out in the deluge.  I tried to run at one point, but that was a complete joke and a sure way to break an ankle.  What I needed was rain boots.  What I had were shoes that created a genuine risk to my ability to stay upright.  I actually at about the half-way point in the parking lot contemplated taking them off and going barefoot.

As I was drying off in the car, one thought lead to another and I was soon thinking about how wonderfully God always prepares us for the adventure, adversity or any circumstance we face.  I thought of the many times I found myself in life situations that required hiking boots or full on combat boots, yet God made sure I was prepared for those times and had the shoes I needed to get through them.

One small example would be about the time my children were in high school and not so dependent upon me.  I felt the need to reconnect with some friends that were in the same place in life.  As young mothers, we were extremely close taking our daughters to gymnastics and dance together as well as sitting shoulder to shoulder through countless softball games.  We now lived in three different areas of the metro, but easily available to meet for dinner.  After the first dinner, it was decided our meetings should become a monthly event.  Only God knew that after about 8 months of regular dinners and a rekindled friendship, I would begin down the path of care taker for a terminally ill spouse.  It was these ladies who were by my side and carried me through this dark time in life.

Ephesians 2:10 ” For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”  Not only are we created by God, but He also intends good for our lives and He will prepare us to be all He desires. I know I could not serve in my role at work without the numerous mentors God placed in my life at an early age.  I could not be a friend or confidante for others without the life experiences God has allowed me to experience.  It is only because of the path we have walked and the shoes we have worn, that we can be who God desires us to be.  Currently your life path may need steel-toed construction boots or you may be enjoying a comfy pair of rejuvenating beach sandals.  Which ever it may be, love the path you are on and the shoes you are wearing.  God has prepared your for this time.

In the morning, when you are picking out what shoes to wear, know that God has prepared you for what you will face on this day.

Author: Angela Grunewald

Just a mom/wife/educator who loves the Lord and wants to share my thoughts. View all posts by Angela Grunewald