“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe
I don’t know about all that. Jesus has overcome the world and He is enough.
But, I can tell you about this old pair of shoes I own…
My very first pair of running shoes. I was never athletic or into sports. I ran my first ever non stop mile in them. A feat I never imagined could ever happen. A year can do a lot to a person. A mile turned into 13.1. I did feel like I could conquer the world and cried at the finish line. I did it. Me. It was at the same time God was transforming my heart to become A New Creature.
Flash forward to today. I finished my book (Francine Rivers – ‘Leota’s Garden’) when I got home from work. It was so beautiful outside decided to do some yard work along with a little exercise in the back yard. But, the grass was freshly cut and I didn’t want my shoes to be full of grass stains.
I was headed to get some old shoes when I saw them. In the garage.
Why did I keep these and why were they out here?
They have holes in them. They are dirty. There is absolutely no padding in them. They are now so uncomfortable and the soles are worn out and smooth. I could ice skate on concrete.
But, they were with me when I fought through the “I cants” and self doubts. They were with me when I struggled to conquer the old me. They were with me in every weekend in the “I’ve never run this long. I won’t make it”. They were with me when I crossed my very first finish line.
So, I still can’t part with them. They feel like old friends. Is that an idol? It sounds like it. It sounds like something you would hear on Hoarders…
I’m going to be ….older this year. For people who have made it to this age and beyond you’d probably laugh. 20 was a big deal… 25 was a bigger deal…Now this…
There are so many things I haven’t accomplished. My life is not anywhere close to what I always imagined it would be at this age. Funny, right? We can make all the plans we want, but His will be done.
Age is just a number and God is the creator of time. He is the inventor and author of it and has already proven can stop and rewind it if He wanted to.
The world is obsessed with achievements. Satan creates these lies to make you believe you aren’t enough and you always have to do more and GO GO GO. Being content is never an option. If you are content you are settling. You have to DO THESE THINGS by THIS AGE and HAVE THESE MANY THINGS and MAKE THIS MUCH MONEY and KEEP CHASING AND CHASING until you have nothing left.
You know what?
“You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go do them.”
I already stated I wasn’t athletic earlier in this post. When I was little I never could do the monkey bars on the playground.
I watched in awe at recess and P.E. as the boys climbed across like it was nothing. Not me. I would have fallen right into the lava. 😛
I had more of a chance getting across with the ones that swung, but only could do that once or twice. I was chubby and had no upper body strength. Science.
But, not this weekend.
This weekend I went to the park. I never did the “side workout” equipment they provide. I just run or walk.
But, not this weekend.
This weekend I looked at those monkey bars and thought, “I think I could do that!”
And you know what? I did. 
I never thought I would go rock climbing either. But, I have (indoor and it wasn’t that tall, but still…).
So, while my life may not be where I want it to be right now…
My seasons aren’t changing and my mind is a tornado…
These monkey bars are a gigantic little reminder that waiting seasons prove how much more you appreciate the gift you are going to receive in time. You don’t have to be the same person you were a year ago or even 5 minutes ago. When I was little I would have never imagined being able to do them. “I’m not that kind of person.”
Well, how do you know??
Not only did I go across. I jumped down and re did it. Then, I went around the park and did it again.
Such a simple thing that brought so much excitement.
Though the sorrow may last for the night joy comes in the morning. 😀
But, the only thing that really matters and the only thing worth doing and having is finding Jesus… the savior of my soul and lover of my heart. There are so many things I never thought I would or could do. Each one has drawn me closer to my Jesus. It was meant for Him and me. And that is enough.
Adventures in Grace and Overanalyzing Everything
Grand Canyon Trip
Life is nothing like blueberry cake…
Beloved Oath of God 