Shoes!

Welcome my friend, come on in & we’ll enjoy a cuppa together.

Today, we’ll be reflecting upon the impact of certain choices I made in life & the long term consequences of those choices! 

But first let’s grab a cuppa & get comfy.

I’m having a mug of Caramel Coffee with a slice of my home baked Almond, Coconut & Date loaf, absolutely delicious! What’s yours?

I’ll let you in on a little secret…

I have a love of Shoes!

Since adolescence I’ve had a love of shoes, although not to the point of Emelda Marcos’ collection!

You may relate my friend…

I just love pretty & feminine shoes, sandals & fashionable boots.

Firstly, let’s get this into perspective I don’t have a shoe obsession or addiction, as I’ve only ever owned a few pairs of shoes at any one time & often wear them out before replacing them.

And I’m definitely not what you would call a fashionista either rather I would say fashionable.

But I do appreciate the way a pair of shoes can compliment & complete an outfit.

As a professional, I always wore the heels that complimented my outfits.

As I’m a petite gal, I like pretty & petite footwear.

Although over the years I have worn many styles of footwear.

In the 1970’s I wore the chunkier platform shoes & wedges.

As a farmer, working alongside my late husband in the fields & stock yards, I wore practical work Boots.

And as a participant in track events in high school I wore spiked running shoes that gave better traction.

As a teen my favourite & most comfortable shoes were Red with white trim Gym boots, of all things!

I should have realised that those favourite shoes in adolescence, that were sooo comfortable to wear, were actually supporting my feet!

The Problem

Unfortunately, the problem with being fashionable & wearing heels for so many years led to foot problems. 

Recently, hobbling from foot pain I took myself off to the Podiatrist for advice.

The verdict, I have what’s known as flat feet, my feet collapse in on themselves as I walk.

Which over the years in not being properly supported in high heels has caused Osteoarthritis in the bones of my feet, knee problems & back issues!

I didn’t see the warning signs 

All those nights of tried & aching feet, from wearing heels all day, were actually warning signs I just didn’t know I needed to heed!

Although, over the last two decades I had given over to wearing pretty petite Ballet flats & flat heeled sandals for comfort.

As higher heeled shoes was just plain agony.

The Podiatrist gave me her advice, the treatment was to wear well supported lace up orthopaedic shoes with arch supports for the rest of my life.  

I cringed when I heard this, I envisaged having to wear ‘ugly’ shoes.

I know this sounds vain, (I am a work in progress)… But remember I do love feminine & petite shoes.

After procrastinating for a few weeks & walking around in constant pain, I finally surrendered!

I was fitted with the supportive orthopaedic shoes with arch supports that my Podiatrist had recommended.

Amazing relief!

The relief from the foot pain was both instant & amazing, the pain literally disappeared!

No longer were the bones in my feet rubbing against each other causing pain because they were properly supported now!

And I’ve realised that these orthopedic shoes have also given me a stability & confidence while walking that I haven’t had for some time.

Since wearing them I have been able to enjoy walks along the waterfront once again without pain, my favourite type of exercise.

And I’ve found that in this day & age, orthopaedic walking shoes are actually fashionable because they look just like sneakers!

And sneakers are worn with most outfits today! Who knew?

The take away 

As I was walking hand in hand with hubby yesterday along our beautiful waterfront, I realised the following things.

These corrective shoes not only support my feet but have had a positive outcome for my whole well being.

They have given me a stability & confidence in being ‘sure footed’ as I walk.

This is very important in life, so as to not stumble & fall.

There is also a profound spiritual lessen here;

“The Lord is my strength,

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet,

And makes me walk on my High places (with triumph & security).” 

Habakkuk 3: 19 Refer II

A Hind refers specifically to the female of the Red Deer variety.

Have you ever observed how sure footed those gals are on the rocky mountains where they dwell?

They’re definitely secure & confident in their sure footed ability as they traverse those rough & rocky places in all seasons! 

And it is the same for us, the ‘Lord is my strength’, means that His strength gives us the ability to walk with confidence & security through all seasons in life.

Knowing we always have His love & grace available to us, to navigate the good & the tough times in life.

To stay sure footed & not stumble or fall!

Reaching those High places with Him, triumphantly.

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Room

Or 

In Prayer

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