Tip of My Iceberg

Taking a five-year-old princess-in-training shopping borders on insanity.

Especially when her aunts have taught her the fine art of accessorizing. And the value of shoes.

Being a shoe minimalist, I find it intriguing that anyone would need multiple pairs of shoes for the same type of activity. However, I birthed daughters who are drawn to extensive wardrobes for the feet.

While her siblings were trying on sandals, Isley artfully surrounded herself with boxes of shoes. Opened-toed. Brightly colored. Some had heels. All had bling.

I asked her what she was doing. “I need shoes,” was her simple reply.

What must be understood is that Isley rarely wears shoes. Unless she’s standing on shards of glass or hot coals, she slips them off at the first opportunity. And consistently loses them. Like socks in the dryer, one shoe can often be found, but it’s frequently pairless.

I told her Aunt Melody would be proud. “Take my picture and show her.” Which I did.

Melody’s reply made Isley grin. “Did you buy her some?”

I can tease my girls from now till doomsday because I’m not a lover of shoes. They can fill an entire suitcase with the variety of pairs they will “need” for any trip, even if it’s a weekend.

I do understand the desire, the “need”, for more.

I need more sleep. There’s always more to do, or time to waste, that sleep frequently gets short-changed.

I need more time. I often over-schedule or neglect to exercise my “no” muscle, so I constantly feel pressured to get things done.

I need more fun. All work and no play makes Dayle a real cranky pants. Planning fun times with my husband has been an area of weakness for way too long.

I need more opportunities to develop who I am and prove what I can do. It’s easy for me to feel that I’m not being heard. That I’m limited in my impact because I’m not given a chance to show what I can do.

I need more dark chocolate.

Yup. I’m a gal with a sweet tooth.

What am I really asking for? More control? I’m not that great at controlling that for which I’m already responsible. Besides, control is a myth.

More stuff? My garage is full of “stuff” I don’t use.

I don’t think it’s more I’m looking for. It’s not more that satisfies long term.

It’s heart focus. Knowing that Someone hears my longings, confusions, frustrations, anxieties.

It’s having Someone to tell that life is unfair. Knowing He’s there to help me look past my circumstances to my reality in Him.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”   Matthew 6:33

Jesus meets my needs. Not a bigger paycheck or increased opportunities at work. Not more hours in a day. He knows my deepest need is to be known, loved and accepted by Him. That’s the “more” that will satisfy my soul.

That and maybe a comfortable pair of soccer flops.