Life is good.These are the times when I am wearing my sandals.
Let me explain. Just a few moments ago I was thinking about the difference between the times I feel bogged down and the times I feel light in my spirit. Both times I am walking with Jesus but one of them is definitely harder. When I said the words "bogged down" I pictured the bog not far from my home. It's a living, breathing patch of land, different from a swamp but still so cool to walk on.
When you grow up around the area where glaciers formed the hills, you have an appreciation later when you learn about God creating the Earth. The only Bog left on the earth that does what a bog was created to do is less that twenty minutes from where I live. This summer I'm going to go there again and see the wonders of what God made.
So what does that have to do with sandals? It's the explorer in me. Of all the vacations I've taken, every mountain climb has included a pair of hiking boots. Rugged boots that stabilized my feet so that I wouldn't twist my ankle. Sure footing on rocks and sand. Hard jagged rubber that didn't slip on the boulders as I crossed over and slid down to the other side. There's a certain weight to hiking boots that give me confidence that I have a good pair on my feet. They fit my entire foot a certain way and when they're laced up they have a firm grip and won't let go. A sandal is much different. My sandals have velcro across the top and behind my heel. They, too, are sturdy, not at all floppy. The top of my foot is exposed to some sun. If it's too hot, I'll end up with a tanned foot outlining where the sandal was. I will not hike in a sandal. Even though the sandal is sturdy it is not designed to hike. It doesn't hold my foot in place enough in rocky terrain nor does it cover the entire foot for complete protection from all the elements or insects. I could easily trip with the sandal and if that happens at the wrong part of the trail, it could be curtains for me.
Jesus wore sandals as did the disciples. Moses wore sandals. God asked Moses to remove them in front of the burning bush. I think it takes more faith to wear sandals in my life rather than boots. Maybe boots can give me protection from the very bad stuff but I don't need them all the time. I can wear sandals and enjoy a lighter life. Enjoy a life like Jesus lived.
Jesus was perfect but he did not have a perfect life.
He experienced ridicule, sadness, liars, betrayers, scoffers and abusers.
He didn't sin in any of it.
Trading in my boots for sandals.
I think it's worth a try.
