Shoes can become a bit of an obsession, and women aren’t necessarily the guilty culprits!
On our trip to Marseille we came across a delightful little restaurant that served Moroccan food. On the wall was a beautiful display of “slippers” with one tiny pair for a small child – sadly I couldn’t persuade the owner to part with them.
Why do we wear shoes? Protection, comfort, speed, vanity?
I have been guilty of wearing shoes for all these reasons.
My walking boots help to protect my ankles, and the soles help to dampen the shocks from walking over uneven ground. Slippers keep my feet warm and cosy in winter. Although I do possess “trainers” I cannot boast about travelling at high speed. However my cycling shoes, fitted with cleats ensure that I maintain an optimum cycling position and I can power my pedalling on the upstroke as well as the downstroke, helping me to travel that bit quicker.
Vanity – I have long ago given up on wearing high heels, which seem to get higher and thinner each year. However when I was looking for shoes to wear at my son’s wedding, I saw just the pair I wanted. Minimal heel in peacock metallic green and delicate pointed toe. I tried them on in the shop – yes they will be fine. Come the big day, I managed the ceremony and the dinner and speeches, but by the time it came to the mingling and dancing, the old “flats” came out.
What about our shoes of faith?
The Holy Spirit gives us protection over the bumps along our journey, and strengthens us along the way. Jesus told his disciples “I will send you an advocate to help you and be with you forever.” An advocate being a comfort and counsel.
Paul often used the illustration of running the race, and persevering, aiming to win.
So our shoes of faith give us protection, comfort and speed.
And if we rely on our own vanity then it will be painful!