New Shoes

I have noticed something lately.  A different pair of shoes can make all the difference in the world!

It's winter, and I like black in the winter.  Even if my clothes aren't black, it seems that black shoes are the best match to whatever it is I'm wearing.  I have several pairs of black shoes.  I have an old pair of clogs.  I love those clogs.  They're so comfortable, and they are so easy to just slip on an off throughout the day.  They're functional.  But, they aren't pretty.  The toes are scuffed, and the leather is cracked and faded. 

I mostly wear them at home.  I don't mind wearing them out and about on some occasions - heading to Wal-Mart or to grab some quick lunch.  But, there are times when those shoes just don't cut it. 

For those times I have a couple of other options.  I have a pair of flat, faux suede boots and a pair of leather heeled boots.  It amazes me over and over how just changing to one of those pairs of shoes can change the look of an entire outfit. 

Now, don't get me wrong.  Sometimes shoes don't cut it.  Sometimes more drastic changes need to be made and the whole outfit needs to be changed.  But, oftentimes just something as simple as a pair of shoes can make an outfit so much more presentable.

Sometimes I feel like that spiritually.  Sometimes major adjustments are needed in my life - a big lesson; a great step of obedience; a leap of faith; a dramatic change. 

But, more often than not, there are just little adjustments that need to be made here and there.  They come along on a daily basis.  Sometimes there might even be several in a day.  They are as seemingly insignificant as changing shoes, but the impact can be just as great. 

So often those little changes can mean fewer huge ones - or at the very least, a smoother transition in the big changes.

Do you feel God's nudges on a regular basis?  Weekly?  Daily?  His nudges are there, spurring you to change a pair of shoes, comb your hair, or even put on a dab of makeup.  Just little things that make big differences.  If you are not sensing the nudges, maybe it's time to slow down and listen just a little more. 

The whispers are there.  Little pricks now and then to do something or to go somewhere.  To ask for forgiveness.  To whisper a prayer.  To call a friend.  To write a note.  To memorize a passage of Scripture.  To hug a child.  To adjust an attitude. 

Just little things that, when evaluated, may seem to have little significance.  But, the results can be as great as the impact of a new pair of shoes on an outfit - a whole new look is ready to be created!