This morning started out like most. After getting dressed, I sat down in my recliner, slipped my socks on, and reached for my Georgia brand work boots. It was then I remembered that I had a funeral to attend after work and I would be riding my motorcycle. I stood up, walked to my closet, and grabbed my faded-out well-used Merrell riding boots instead. Then it hit me…

For as far back as I can remember, I have been a boot wearer.

As a kid, “Cowboy” boots were my favorites. Usually, they were black and had ornate stitching on the upper leather portions, and they were probably purchased at Sky City or Belk. When I wore those boots, my bicycle or minibike became a horse, I became the Lone Ranger, and my brother John was relegated to Tonto.

Years later, when I went to work at Greenwood Mills, the Red Wing shoe truck would visit the plant every so often with an array of company-approved safety shoes. As employees, we could purchase a pair of boots and have the money drafted from our check on a weekly basis when you are making just $4.25 per hour, a hundred-dollar pair of boots required that I make payments. Again, my first choice was always black western-style steel-toe boots.

Between the Army and working as a lineman for a couple of electrical contractors and then the phone company, boots continued to be my main footwear for most of my life. The Army had dictated that we lace our shoes left over right which is what I still do today, and my OCD kicked in when messing up that routine on those knee-high lineman’s boots.

My footwear for motorcycling in the early days was mostly those western-style safety boots. They seemed comfortable, and durable, and they looked cool. Also, if you were to get in a scuffle with someone, a steel toe to the shin or knee could make an aggressor drop to the ground and think twice before coming back for more.

As I have aged, my boot choices have shifted more towards comfort. I was first introduced to the nylon “jogging shoe” style boots while still serving in the military. After decades of hot, sweaty leather that required polishing, the Army switched to tan suede and along with it, a huge selection of nylon boots became available. 

Today, Merrell waterproof boots are my favorite. They are breathable, they keep my feet dry in a downpour, and they are very comfortable.

Why all this discussion about boots?

While style, brand, materials, and a host of other things dictate what kind of footwear we choose, the bottom line is the same. We wear shoes to protect our feet. I am never more aware of this than when I open the door to let my dog out for his evening romp around the yard, and I trek across the gravel in my bare feet! OUCH!!!

My point. On Sunday mornings at the close of our Sunday School class, we always join hands in a circle to pray.

One particular Sunday morning as I bowed my head, I noticed something: The shoes...

Standing there in that circle, I looked around at all the different kinds of shoes. Boots, gym shoes, leather dress shoes, and even sandals... Some old and beat up, some brand new...

These people in my class have been on mission trips all over the US and several other countries. They have made it their duty to help people who are less fortunate by rebuilding their houses. They have assisted churches in other places who are struggling for whatever reason, to become beacons of hope in their communities. Those shoes in that little circle have carried these people near and far to share Christ with literally thousands of people.

This morning, as I looked down and laced my dirty, worn riding boots (left over right of course), I was reminded of all the places my various boots have taken me over the years. Places like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, all over the East Coast, several trips out west, and even cross country to San Diego. Then, I asked myself these questions, “All the places the boots have carried me, Have I been faithful to share Jesus? When I have worn them, have I always been willing to reach out to people in need?”

Sadly, for much of my life, it was all about me.

The good thing is, God tells us in his word that He can wipe all that old stuff away and give us a second chance. No matter where our boots have taken us in the past, today we can change the path they walk if we decide to follow Him!

Today, where are your boots taking you? Is it to a place where you serve only yourself, or a place where you serve Jesus Christ? 

Today, pick up your feet and choose a different direction. I guarantee you will not regret it!

“Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News” Romans 10:14-15

Ride on and stay safe,