Do Your Shoes Need Switching?

Ok...I have to tell you a funny story. Yesterday I went back to work with Greg. It was a mad dash to get the kids lunches packed, drive Courtney to school, write my blog, and get ready to go marketing and be at my first appointment an hour away from my home by 9 AM.

In my mad dash I took off running in my high heels. Hang on...it gets better. I kept telling my husband, man theses shoes are uncomfortable. The leather really must need stretched out...but I pressed on. My shoes squeezed my foot, made a squeaky kind of sound each time I took a step. I thought to myself, Man...I don't remember these being so uncomfortable...I must be retaining water.

Finally about 2 hours into my day (while standing in an elevator) I decided to take my shoe off and quickly stretch it out with my fist to help make it more comfortable.

As I stood on one foot, I lifted my shoe to my face only to realize my shoes were on the wrong feet. LOL. LOL. LOL.

Now, there are a lot of spiritual applications I could make from this scenario...but immediately God prompted my heart (after my outburst of laughter) that it is painful to wear something in a way He never intended.

You see, my dear friends, He has designed us with a specific and unique make up. Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared long in advance for us to do." When we try to imitate others, or model our lives after their missions...well...it just doesn't work. When we take on tasks we were never designed to wear...it becomes painful.

This week, I have spent a lot of time evaluating what God has called me to and what I have taken on myself. I want to encourage you to evaluate your life purpose...to do that...here are some helpful questions I ask throughout conferences I teach at...

1. What does God desire for my life?
i. What has He spoken to me through His Word?
ii. What has He spoken to me through Others?
iii. What is He speaking to me through circumstances?

2. What gifts has God given me?
i. What comes naturally?
ii. What open doors are in front of me?
iii. What brings me joy?
iv. What do I love doing?
v. What would I do even if I never got paid for it?
vi. What have others confirmed in my life?
After answering these questions the final evaluation comes by looking at our to do list and evaluating whether there are things we need to let go of. (Of course evaluate withing the context of God's Word and His Character...After all we may not always enjoy EVERYTHING we DO...I'm sure Jesus didn't ENJOY the cross...But take your evaluation within context and begin to release unnecessary burdens and activities.)
 
As soon as I realized I was wearing my shoes on the wrong feet...I made the switch...and YEP...YOU GUESSED it...IT made the rest of my day better.
 
So, how about it? ANY SHOES IN YOUR LIFE needing changed to line up your life with GOD's MISSION and PURPOSE? If so, ask Him for wisdom to know what those things are and then follow His lead. :)
 
Have an awesome weekend.