Peace-Giving Shoes

I have mis-shapen feet. I had to wear forms in my shoes as a child because there was such a curve to my feet. My feet are also wide. And long. I have a hard time finding comfortable shoes. It was good for me that not far from my sister's house there used to be a Reebok wharehouse store and I discovered, to my delight, that my size of shoe was often in the mark down section. I was thrilled to be able to get leather running shoes for $10 or $15 instead of $100+.

I was grateful that on my last visit before the store closed I managed to find two pairs of shoes that fit. I wear them sparingly now, doing my best to keep them going as long as possible. it would make sense, then, not to wear them much in the winter, wouldn't it? Well I'm glad that I wore them last Sunday because God spoke to me profoundly as a result of those shoes. Here's how...

I went to visit my mother for the afternoon. I wore my Reeboks. I walked through a light dusting of snow to the front door. I had need to return to the car. On my way back into the house I noticed my shoe prints in the snow. Perfectly proportioned and formed prints. They looked so neat, so proper. Not at all like my foot prints - curved, awkward and out of proportion. I smiled briefly as I enjoyed the image of a nearly proprtioned foot. I even chuckled at the fact that it was a false image of what my feet really look like.

I was stepping over one of the perfectly formed prints when God spoke to me "That's how I see you. Not the imperfect image of your humanity, but the new image I have given you though Jesus." Wow.

I have not stopped thinking about that all week. God sees the Reebok impression of me - not the ill-formed one living inside. I have been encouraged by the thought. I've chosen to wear my Reeboks several times this week as a reminder. I've been looking for shoe prints in the snow; mine and others. I want to live in the mindset that my imperfection can be over-ridden by God's perfection. So much so that He is seen rather than me.

I have a new appreciation for a portion of the description of the Armour of God, particularly from the New Living Translation.

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15

This week part of my Good News has been the realization that shoes can bring peace...with myself and how God sees me.