I was reflecting on where I was a week ago…
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I had just returned from walking to Subway at the bottom of the hill. I didn’t think it is really all that far away, nearly a half of a mile. The walk down there was pleasant and breezy. The sun was shining, but the wealth of trees offered shade sporadically along the way. Of course it was pretty much all downhill so it was kind of nice. Knees ached a little but that is just what they do these days.
Then I arrived at the “Eat Fresh” store. I purchased my lunch and ate it.
And then pursued my way back to the office…again, nearly a half mile away…not. too. far.
However, there were a few things I did not consider…my wardrobe, the weather, and my weight.
I hadn’t worn the most walking appropriate attire. Some Dr. Marten dress shoes, black dress pants, and a long sleeve dress shirt (with sleeve rolled up, of course). The first leg of the journey was pretty much okay…just had to dodge traffic on the main stretch of road leading to the office complex. By the time I reached this point, I had a small amount of perspiration on my bald head, a little tension in my lower back, and was breathing a little laboriously.
At the three-quarter mark (passing the most intense part which was a bit of a hill) I was soaked. Between the heat index, the extra weight that I carry, and my wardrobe, I was drenched. The head index was probably near 114 degrees (literally) and here I was, a fatty trying to walk to an “Eat Fresh” store and trying to save gas. Not good!! I was sucking in wind, had sweated through both my undershirt and dress shirt, knees were burning hot with pain, and my jalapeño peppers were barking with each step I took.
By the time I reached the door, I was dripping with sweat. It was dripping off of my beard, nose, eyebrows…I could have rung out my undershirt for sure. I just took about 5 minutes and sat with my desk fan on high and tried to cool off a bit.
I wasn’t dressed to walk in that weather. I wasn’t prepared for that small journey.
I think we do that in a lot of ways. Our intentions are good, but we don’t put on the right kind of clothes. I’m not talking about brands or styles. I’m talking about putting on Christ. I put on heavy fabrics and dress shoes. I should have known that I would not have the van that day and tried to wear something that would have been more feasible for me to make that little trek. Spiritually, we try to carry all of the weight of the world on our shoulders. We weigh our feet down with sin or traditions or religion. Cast that crap off! God says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. It is easy to carry.
So in the morning, think about what you have to do. And begin praying! Ask that God would prepare you and cloth you in his glory…his righteousness. And then, walk in it. It’s funny that some of the lessons I learn are so simple. I am thankful for each one.
Until next time,
MTP
Prodigal Thinker 