New Shoes

The fire crackled and blazed, in the cold of the winter as they gathered together that evening. The year and all its activities had gone by ever so quickly and now it was coming to an end. The annual tradition of this house was to present a new pair of shoes to a person they believe had excelled the most that year. It was never an easy decision to make, so as always Mr Potter and his wife deliberated for a number of days about the candidates for this year.

As the sun lifted its face upon the horizon of the globe, the Potter’s rose and gave God thanks. “My God you have enabled us to see another day, as you kept us through the night. Please guide our thoughts and our actions in all we do today and let us be drawn to the right pair of shoes.”

Once the coffee had brewed and breakfast ingested, they set off in search of the anticipated gift. The shop was filled with great variety and the choices seem to overwhelm them.

“Can I be of any help to you?” the young assistant asked.

“Yes, we are looking for a pair of shoes to give to a friend ours later tonight.” They replied.

“Well you have definitely come to the right place; we have all types of shoes in every colour imaginable. We’ve got many textures and materials from suede to authentic leather. You’re bound to find the right type of shoe for your friend!”

Before she had the chance to continue Mrs Potter interrupted with a question. “Young lady, what do you propose that the purpose of a shoe is?”

Perplexed by the intention of the question the young assistant paused. She gazed at the floor and with the look of concentration reflecting so evidently from her face, began to speak what she believed. “I believe that shoes are designed to compliment an outfit, for any and every occasion”  

Mr Potter glanced at his wife, just in time to see the grin that had crept up on her face. She asked him “would you like to do the honours this year Mr Potter?”

“Certainly my beauty” he replied, then proceeded to face the direction of the assistant who now looked as though she regretted coming to their aid.

“Every year, for the past 25years, we buy a new pair of shoes for the person we consider to have made a significant achievement. It’s not the shoes that matter to us, but it’s the meaning behind them that does. The added bonus of a shoe is that it compliments your outfit. But the very purpose of a shoe is that it protects your interests. Your feet were made for walking, so where your feet go you go. As Christians we carry the light, and light is not useful unless it shines in a darker place. There are many places in this world that have been longing to see, but the darkness that surrounds them has not yet been dealt with. We carry the very Source of Light, but only obedience and persistence will spread that light. An athlete never uses the same pair of shoes for the entire duration of their career. It eventually gets worn out, tears and doesn’t provide the stability and support it once did. Figuratively speaking our friend has run a hard race this year and his shoes have grown weary so to speak. So in order for him to continue his race we are looking for a shoe of the following description: Its soles need to be a firm foundation, one that represents The solid rock; Jesus Christ. Its material needs to be durable, weather-proof and suitable in every God given season. The interior should be as gentle as his Master and as comforting as the good news he is going to tell the world. Its laces should be knitted firmly through each loop with precision and with purpose. As for its colour, well love that doesn’t matter. God doesn’t judge on the outward appearance, it’s the condition of one’s heart that counts, so its colour and style can be as crazy or as subtle as you like, for every character has a place in God’s kingdom. I’ve said this not to confuse you but rather to enlighten you so the next time you slip your feet in a shoe, you’ll be reminded of this conversation we had. A shoe protects your interest. My interest is God’s interest and God’s interest is you. You have been loved for longer than you or I will ever know; you have been watched over from the time of your conception. The One who has your interest at heart, waits patiently for you to meet Him. Today He sent me to let you know that He is knocking at the door of your heart, if you’d just use everything you have within you let Him in, He’ll brighten up your life with the source of His light. Then your shoes will have a purpose in Him”