A pair of shoes sat in a corner,

hidden and worn and wishing for yesterday.

They faced the direction of where they used to run and play.

The shoes were aware they were now out of place and uncertain of where they belonged.

One day, a pair of Gentle Hands bent down low to pick them up and to dust them off.

The shoes looked up towards the Hands with sadness and questions, for the Face behind them surely had answers . . .

“But why? Remember when? I just don’t understand . . .”

The Gentle Hands held the pair of shoes securely and pulled them close to His Compassionate Face. With assurance and tenderness, He said :

“I have seen you all along. In fact, I am the One who made you, and there is not a moment I have not been with you. The time spent in the corner has not been a punishment; it has been preparation. I have a new direction I want you to go, and it’s time to get going!

My words will light your path, and My peace will guard you. The joy of My presence will strengthen you, and My power will be on display when you are too weak to walk. My grace will be sufficient for each step, and My mercies will be new each morning.

I have dusted you off and wiped you clean, yet in My wisdom, I have let the scuffs and threadbare and marks remain.

Let these scuffs serve to keep you humble and this threadbare remind you of your frailty. May the marks spark memories of where you have walked, whom you have met along the way, and what you have learned. And may they remind you of My great faithfulness.

So, YES! It is time to get moving!

Run towards the Sun. I will never leave you, and I will fuel you forever.

There is so much more ahead . . .

and rest assured, I am already there.”