Boots are our attempt at expecting the worst, but hoping for the best.
I became a fan of boots during our stint in New England, but I think it was because I could find a pair that fit. From my father’s side of the family, I inherited some fabulous traits and one not-so-good one: My calves begin at my heels. No ankles and thick calves make for a very uncomfortable season when snow is on the ground and ice is likely beneath it, thus requiring a good pair of boots with some serious traction.
Frankly, under that beautiful white stuff, I really didn’t know what was beneath it. But I trusted a great pair of boots would keep me upright and steady. I recall one time in particular when I chose not to wear my boots to retrieve something from the car. The memory/photo in my mind resembles a cartoon character with her feet and dress up over her head as she moves in slow motion up and then down…well, you get the picture.
Trust is an open invitation for peace. Peace gives us the courage to face life with sanity and dignity.
Over the last couple of years, I have put on my boots of peace expecting the worse, but hoping for the best. As I watch my Mother-in-Law struggle through multiple knee and hip replacements, when will my parts begin wearing out? Will #1 Son marry someone who will be nice to me when she has to take me to the multiple doctor appointments and will she want to do lunch, too? Where will the Lord call #2 Son and Baby Girl to be in ministry after they finish their schooling? Will Mr. Yummy only know me as Mimi in a box through Skype? Will my man find contentment in his vocation no matter where it takes us? Will all those years of Dave-Ramsey-financial-planning sustain us as the economy takes it toll on so many? I only have a handful of kids pre-registered for an event…is the event a God-thing or a me-thing?
What are the questions that bring you to the Word of God that provides peace? The peace that fit like a good pair of boots giving you the courage and traction to face life with sanity and dignity?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
DeDeBullReilly 
Dede I love the way you give voice to those questions, hopes and dreams we all have. Here’s my question: What if you wondered what the future holds for you physically, emotionally, spiritually but had few family members (at the moment it feels like none) to support, encourage or take care of you? What if you had been such a caretaker that no one ever thought you needed taking care of? What if questions can be discouraging I think.
It’s been my experience, Lynne, that once you begin wearing a hat in the family, the hat remains no matter how much you wish someone else would wear it. But my church family and my friends in the LORD know all the colors of my rainbow and even “knew me back then.” These precious folks are much more accommodating and compassionate during the seasons of “I need to take care of me right now.” I released my family from having to meet those needs a LONG time ago. I have intentionally invested in Girlfriends-in-the-Lord so that I might share life with dignity, laughter, and great peace.