I’ve been trying really hard to get ready for the new year.

I chose my word and I cleaned house and cleared space.

December found me listening to podcasts about weekly goal setting and creating to-do lists and I was gung-ho to carry it out. I sat down Monday to make some headway and plan my path for the week and here’s what I ended up with…

It seems I had so many possibilities that I couldn’t decide where to even start … decision paralysis, anyone? Instead I pondered the verse I had chosen for this week’s inspiration…

Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. ~Hebrews 12:13

My 15-year old nephew broke his leg last Thursday prior to his school basketball game and the only thought more painful than the broken bone was the fact that the paramedic wanted to cut off his Air Jordan sneaker… luckily his teacher stepped in to save the day and the shoe. Even though he won’t technically be needing shoes for walking the next 6 weeks, I know in the mean time he’ll still be sporting his other favorite footwear – cowboy boots.

Who says convalescing can’t be done in cool shoes?

Eerily similar to my nephew, my tastes lean toward western boots and athletic shoes with a knock off pair of grey converse thrown in for good measure. I didn’t even own a pair of heels until a few years ago when I fell in love with some peep toe sling back white pumps that could have stepped right out of the 40s… I guess my love of vintage seeps over into my dressing habits as well…

Right after Christmas I took stock of my closet and made a list of staples I thought I would lend themselves to a more polished looking 30-something year old’s wardrobe…My greatest need it appears is shoes. So I started by paying better attention to the footwear trends of today…

Last Wednesday a pair of dark brown fur lined boots piqued my interest… They looked so cozy and cute laced up on my aunt’s petite feet. I wondered if they would look right on my size 8’s or would it just look like I was wearing some large fuzzy animal on each foot? With a furrowed brow and the wind howling over my simple canvas shoes I at least knew that I’d need to up my game with thicker socks in the mean time.

Then there was a chic looking pair of grey ankle boots complete with buckles and zippers that caught my eye in a display and beckoned me to try them on …  but they were the kind of shoe that carried a time limit… so unless I planned to wear them to sit around all day (maybe with my nephew!?) I was pretty sure they wouldn’t fulfill my wish for comfort. Deflated, I left them on the shelf but I can’t stop trolling Pinterest looking for that perfect combination of stylish and stress free…

There’s no denying that there are the right shoes for the right outfit and occasion. Ballerinas don’t dance in flip-flops after all. Sometimes even the right shoes still rub the wrong way because they’re the wrong size… A chilly hike around Niagara falls revealed that truth to me with my new snow boots years ago.

Proper fit is paramount.

But I think I may have found my glass slipper right here…

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ~ Ephesians 6:15

God calls us to stand ready and dressed with shoes of peace– always the right fit and style for every occasion. Easy to write but much harder to wear sometimes. I know it’s not always my first inclination… especially when I’m tempted to stomp my feet to get my own way or I’m too tired to tread lightly with the right tone.

{Note to self: sometimes all it takes to step into peace is to pause.}

Peace will always lead us down the right path.

It’s not a list of goals or fashionable footwear that makes us confident but rather a position of peace that prepares us for every situation in life. And I realize, I already have it.

What I’m trying so hard to find has already been left with me. It might however just be gathering dust in the back of my closet…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27

We will never have all the answers, the perfect plan or the perfect shoes this side of heaven but He directs our steps, clears our paths and provides the “shoes” that go with everything… Peace.

If the shoes fits, wear it my friends.

Tell me about your favorite shoes??

♥

P.S. Looking for just the right encouragement to help you step out in style? Or just a little more meaning in the mess? It’s my pleasure to create connection, community and sometimes cute stuff just for you! And I’d love it if you’d join our little tribe. Click right here to get the scoop and a set of printable scripture cards! Thanks so much for being here. Peace be with you my friends.