Friday, March 6, 2009

What's in a Shoe

I have never been overly extravagant when it comes to shoes. For the most part I prefer comfort to style, but a few years back I decided since comfortable heels could be found that suited me, it would make sense to use them to give me a couple inches, esp. with the height differentiation between myself and Dave. Then I fell in love with the bootleg jean look which along with the heels gives me more "presence".

Not only this, we've had a rule since we moved into our new house thirteen years ago that we'd take off our shoes when coming indoors. That rule has held even though our carpets and floors are very well worn now and it doesn't really matter.

For the past month, I've been stuck wearing athletic shoes all day, outside and inside, as part of my therapy. I've gotten used to it but I miss running around in socks and wearing more stylish shoes when I go out. Oh well, my body knows better and thanks me for those shoes, without them my leg immediately starts its thing. Unbelievable. All because of one tiny heel lift and solid arch support that keeps me aligned.

God's design of the body is truly remarkable. Everything affects everything else. If one part isn't doing its job, it leads to one problem after another. I'm doing what I know to do to get things working the way they're supposed to again, but sometimes I struggle between being a good steward of my body and accepting the "thorns" that will inevitably come. Paul didn't spend all his time and energy on seeking a cure, apart from the Lord Himself; rather He focused on doing the business of the kingdom and allowed his thorn to be a means for God to display His power in weakness.

And so, at the end of the day, when I've had it with my shoes and I'm tired of having to position my body properly, when I just want to kick back and be myself again, I block out the doggone pain and say "God knows". He knows where I've been with my strong-willed Samantha, He knows how I've tried to avoid the stairs but just can't because I need to check Katrina's schoolwork or do wash, He knows the family needs a good solid meal, He knows Bryan needs an errand run, He knows Ethan needs another trip to Peoria, and He knows that Dave needs me to faithfully love and support him. God knows. He's not putting pressure on me to be something I can't be, and He'll heal me if He chooses, and in the meantime, I'll do what I can but leave the rest up to Him.

2 comments:

Molly said...

Thanks for writing and being honest, yet showing the hope and peace that you have found throughout this journey. You have had such a tough year, but you have stayed strong in the Lord!! Praise God for that!

Katrina said...

Wow, Nita! Another great entry. Maybe you should consider publishing an article in a Chrisian publication sometime based upon some of your entries. I think God has given you some great wisdom that should be shared.

Thanks for encouraging me today!

Katrina Mitchell

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