Mon., July 23, 2018

John 1:27- He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.

It’s hard to let go of an old friend. Right?

These sandals feel like an old friend to me. I’ve had them for 2.5 years. For me, this is basically light years when it comes to shoes. I’m very hard on shoes. When a pair lasts over two years, it is a major accomplishment.

But I know their days a limited. Look closely at the left sandal. You’ll see a tear on the front strap. They are holding on by just a little bit. But they are still holding on.

I’ve stopped wearing them out in public. I only where them when I am at home. I’m afraid that if I wear them in public, they WILL tear, and I won’t have a pair of sandals to wear.  

So, I wear them only where another pair are easily within reach. I haven’t given up on these sandals yet. My feet know just where they sink in. They are comfortable. Worn-in. Probably too worn-in. The support is not as good as it once was. But I’m not ready to give up on them yet.

I seldom order shoes on-line. My feet are too hard to fit. I made a risky move and ordered these sandals right before a vacation without trying them on. As soon as I slipped my short toes and wide feet into them, they knew they were at home.

And still are today.

Jesus wore sandals. I wonder how quickly he wore out a pair. He only had one pair. He wore them All. The. Time. In fact, he instructed his friends not to take an extra pair of sandals with them when traveling. They would be taken care of.

Obviously, I missed this memo. I can barely leave the house with only one pair of shoes.

A few months back, I ordered another pair of these same exact sandals. I have been breaking them in. Waiting for this pair to no longer be wearable.

They are just sandals. They aren’t fancy. They are just comfortable and practical.

But they remind me of Jesus’ sandals. His dirty feet. The miles he walked and walked. The people he met along the way. The lives he touched. The souls he changed. The people unworthy to unlace his sandals.

Yet, he “washed” others feet in so many ways. He gave of himself for you and me. He loved us before we were born. Loves us now when we maybe unlovable.

For some reason, it’s his sandals that get to me. Remind me of who he was, what he did, the difference he has made in the world. It’s these sandals that I connect with right now.

For Jesus’ sandals, I am grateful.

Jesus – may the image of a pair of sandals resonate with us today. Provide us with an opportunity to connect with you. Thank you for wearing sandals and changing lives. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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