Here is a lesson that I learned while in Africa, today marks the 105th day since I wrote this note to myself back in December and I thought it was worth sharing with you.
No Shoes
I went for my last walk in Africa this morning, I fly out this afternoon. As I was walking around the neighborhood near the offices in Pretoria, SA I was reflecting on all I had seen and learnt in the last three months. About thirty minutes into my walk my sandals broke, at the same moment I realized I was completely lost. I took off my broken shoes and began to wander. I knew the general direction, but no road seemed to go through to the road I wanted. As I was walking I remembered a time that seems so long ago, when a young man told me a story and about a man who complained to God about not having shoes. God then took the man and showed him a man with no feet. It humbled me, just like you said he said it humbled him. That lesson he taught me the first week of this Trek has stuck with me. These last three months have felt much like my walk this morning; thinking I know exactly where I am going, then feeling lost and wandering aimlessly. Trying to find a road by my own strength that would lead me home, but I didn't have the knowledge or strength to do it on my own. And then I saw the road signs, and like scripture, they pointed me in the right direction and I finally was able to see home. Walking on burning feet I knocked on the locked gate and was let in. The pain in my feet reminded me of all the pain and hurt in my heart, the pain and hurt that is no more because Jesus healed it, He let me in the "gate" of His love and protection. And now I know I never have to go back to that old life. I do not have to worry about not having shoes, because God has given me wings.
No Shoes
I went for my last walk in Africa this morning, I fly out this afternoon. As I was walking around the neighborhood near the offices in Pretoria, SA I was reflecting on all I had seen and learnt in the last three months. About thirty minutes into my walk my sandals broke, at the same moment I realized I was completely lost. I took off my broken shoes and began to wander. I knew the general direction, but no road seemed to go through to the road I wanted. As I was walking I remembered a time that seems so long ago, when a young man told me a story and about a man who complained to God about not having shoes. God then took the man and showed him a man with no feet. It humbled me, just like you said he said it humbled him. That lesson he taught me the first week of this Trek has stuck with me. These last three months have felt much like my walk this morning; thinking I know exactly where I am going, then feeling lost and wandering aimlessly. Trying to find a road by my own strength that would lead me home, but I didn't have the knowledge or strength to do it on my own. And then I saw the road signs, and like scripture, they pointed me in the right direction and I finally was able to see home. Walking on burning feet I knocked on the locked gate and was let in. The pain in my feet reminded me of all the pain and hurt in my heart, the pain and hurt that is no more because Jesus healed it, He let me in the "gate" of His love and protection. And now I know I never have to go back to that old life. I do not have to worry about not having shoes, because God has given me wings.
What a beautiful story, Emmy!!
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