Tonight, in the midst of packing for vacation, when my mind was absorbed with a myriad of details, I decided to throw out 6 pairs of shoes that I can no longer wear. Now, that may not seem significant at first telling but let me explain...These pairs of shoes ranged in cost from $100 to $180 each and I have been hanging on to them!
You see, the right shoe of each pair had an expensive, custom "lift" added when my hip surgery in 2004 left me with a 3/4's inch uneven gait. That's why I didn't want to toss them. And yet...it's been 10 months since my other hip was replaced (leaving me more even) and I can't wear the old shoes. So, why the reticence to turn from the past and embrace the new?
Hmmmm...reminds me of a biblical principle about "newness" in 2 Corinthians 5:17 ~
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."
and "...You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." Ephesians 4:22-24
How like GOD to inspire me when I least expected it, to LET GO of those old shoes and walk freshly in His Spirit!
What are you hanging onto that you should let go of?
~ Blessings to you and yours ~
Love it! Shoe parables. God uses the physical to illuminate spiritual truths. Wonderful application! Thanks for sharing, Jess! ((HUGS)) :)
ReplyDeleteI just cleaned out my pantry. I had to radically change my diet so we packed up all the stuff I couldn't eat anymore and took it to the mission. It felt good to give about 10 bags of groceries to the homeless. I did think of all that money I spent on the food in the first place but it was great to give it away as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful that your hip is balanced now and you have no need of those special shoes.
Well, at the expense of them I can understand why you would keep them especially when you thought you might have another hip surgery. Only makes sense, but so neat the Lord lead you to let them go!! We can always trust His leading...that is for sure!!
Have a great week hon,
Love ya, Nellie
What am I hanging onto that I should let go of? Well, materially speaking, I should go through every room in my house and scale back on stuff! Ditto the basement...
ReplyDeleteI know there are some old hurts and memories that I need to let go of -- my m-i-l has left me with that challenge. I'm working on it, by God's grace...thanks for the reminder...