Barefoot
For the majority of my life thus far I have been everywhere with shoes on. My first 40 years or so were spent between all matter of sneakers for playing outside and playing sports, as well as numerous styles of cleats. I was constantly in and out of dress shoes for church and work. Bottom line is this: my feet are tender because they were rarely unprotected, and tightly at that.
Now, in recent years at least, I am working at being barefoot a lot more often. My feet are still soft, and I am bettering my foot health and learning about stepping out in faith in daily life.
Sitting Still
I was sitting next to my wife on the grassy lawn as we talked and enjoyed morning coffee outside. We were in plastic Adirondack chairs just being still and pretty quiet. Sitting still and watching all of Creation around us. The butterflies, bees and grasshoppers were buzzing and whirring in their short bursts of flight. So many little things were moving through their world created for them. Created for us.
Sit outside. Play outside. Walk outside. Feel the grass under your bare feet, and most certainly feel the sand shift under your toes. These are among the things created for our enjoyment. Give thanks to our Creator for these simple things that can change your outlook if not your mindset for the better.
In the beginning, God
God created an earthly paradise for our enjoyment. He created us, each a masterpiece, with plans for us to thrive. Thriving in Him is the ultimate way of walking this beautiful earth. Leading with gratitude for even the smallest delights is a wonderful strategy for life.
Genesis 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.
9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 1:29-30 (NKJV)
29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so.
Taking Flight
All of this post stemmed from watching and waiting for several minutes to see this beautiful creature fly. Then it rose, taking flight.
Click on the picture below to check out this 10 second video in slow motion.
Walking Forward Together
Just as that beautiful creature took flight, or as we learn to step out with bare feet onto the very ground God created, our spiritual lives are a continuous journey of stepping out in faith. It is about shedding the things that tightly bind us and learning to walk freely, feeling the ground of His grace beneath our toes.
Connect With Our Ministry
If this reflection touched your heart and you want to dive deeper into walking out your daily life with gratitude, purpose, and faith, I invite you to take the next step with me. Head over to my Ministry Page or a simple Resources section. There, you will find more resources, encouraging reflections, and a welcoming community designed to help you thrive in your personal walk with the Creator. Let’s take off our shoes, open our eyes to His wonders, and journey forward together!
If this ministry has blessed your life today, please also consider partnering with us in prayer or through a financial gift. Your support helps us continue sharing the message of God’s beautiful creation and truth. Gifts can be given securely via paypal.me/swbsr. May God bless you!