Gift Shoes

I once heard a story about an old man who was asked if he would want a new pair of shoes.  He said he would.  When asked what size he said “It don’t matter”  The man who was inquiring about his shoe size then said “Well I have to know what size you need so that I can get you a proper fitting pair”  The old man replied “Son I ain’t proud and I ain’t particular, if the shoes are too small I’ll cut out the toes and if the shoes are too big I’ll stuff the end with cotton.”  How much could we all use a dose of that humility in today’s world of me and mine and I want it now. 

The Moral

That story resounded in my head last night when after a long month of working without any days to call my own when I was debating on going fishing early this morning before work.  I set my alarm at 4 and crawled out of bed and took the day for what God granted it to me.  I had no other opportunities late nor early since last month to take off and fish, and I finally saw a few hours opening.  I realize its Sunday, and some Sundays I feel I get more out of just being outside watching the sun rise and enjoying the natural things God has allowed me to live amongst the church building is simply that, a building and I’ve always been an outside person.  

The Choice

I did not want to look at my 4 AM wake-up call as being too early and my window before I had to work as too short.  I think today one could say I both stuffed the back with cotton and cut out the toe to make it fit, but I got my fish and I had time to unwind better than I have gotten a chance to since I can even remember.  If there’s one thing I’ve always attempted to perfect it has been capitalizing on opportunities when I see them before me no matter how vague.  I don’t turn down the offer of new shoes no matter the size.

Isaiah 9:5