Jammin' your feet into shoes that are too small

I learned a lesson this week - both a practical one and a spiritual one.

I took Joshua to BabiesRUs since I had a coupon, and decided to get him some new shoes. They have papers there you can use to measure a kid's feet to make sure you get the proper size. I measured his feet and he should wear a size 7. That's all well and good, but I've been jamming his feet into size 5s and 6s. Now here's the thing...those shoes went on his feet. Maybe they were stretched out from wear, but they did go on, even with socks. I can't imagine how uncomfortable he was...no wonder he always wants his shoes off in the car. So I bought him some 7s and then put away all the 5s and 6s.

Here's the spiritual lesson - how many times have I tried to keep my faith in the size that fit before? I cram my life and my perspective and my faith into what fit 3 or 4 years ago, but I'm not the same woman as before. I've grown as a woman, as a mother, as a wife, and as a Christian. It's time to measure myself correctly and get my feet in the right size shoes. God's provided all I need for this stage of my life, so why keep acting as though the old way still fits? I challenge you - if you are comfortable in a well-fitting pair of shoes, consider your walk as well - are you desperately trying to keep things the way they were, in spite of the fact that you've grown, or are you willing to "step" out in faith and walk in the new shoes God's given you, perfectly fitted to this place in your life and walk? After all, shoes were made for walking...