Tip of My Iceberg

What began as a delightful part of a Halloween costume–one tough little cowboy–has become the only pair of shoes Scout will wear.

“I need my boots!” It doesn’t matter the temperature or even the comfort level. The boots are a given.

I have friends from Texas–of course–whose footwear of choice is always boots. I’ve been told they wear them in till they feel like part of their feet once you put them on.

I’ll take their word for it. The only boots I’ve ever worn are snow boots. And I would never choose them over any other footwear..

Boots, though, can’t measure up to flip flops. Those things are like vacations for your feet.

I digress.

Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the famous crooner Frank, made popular the song “These Boots Were Made For Walking” back in 1965. It was a line from one of her dad’s famous movies, an American Western comedy called “4 For Texas”. The song was all about having the courage to walk out on a man who was no good to her.

We’re all on a road to somewhere. Walking with intent or in oblivion. The roads we choose to walk say a lot about the people we are. There are those who take risks, walking the hard paths that challenge them mentally, physically, spiritually, or emotionally. There are those who walk the known ways, the safe places, for what they long for is security and stability.

Jesus walked everywhere in and around Jerusalem and Judea during His ministry, walking with people, never hurrying. He was intent in His purposes and persevering in His methods. People always mattered to Him.

Jesus grew to manhood in Nazareth, north of Jerusalem. His ministry took Him far and wide–further north to Capernaum and as far south as Bethany, from Caesarea Philippi to the west along the Mediterranean Sea to Gerasa to the east in the Decapolis. He shared the gospel of hope as He walked, always attentive to the needs of people He passed.

One night, after a long day of preaching to and serving others, Jesus went to the hills to pray alone and told His men to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

The men were in a boat in the middle of a raging sea. About three in the morning, Jesus walks up to them on the water, scaring them. They feared He was a ghost.

“But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don ‘t be afraid,’ He said, ‘Take courage. I am here!’” Matthew 14:27

Peter asked that he might come out and walk to Jesus on the water, and permission was granted. Peter got out of the boat and began to walk toward Jesus. But he felt the wind, saw the storm, and became terrified–he began to sink. He yelled for Jesus to save him.

“Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt Me?’” Matthew 14:31

Peter’s courage was short-lived when he saw what was happening around him. Jesus didn’t ridicule him for his fear; He asked why Peter had doubted the One he’d been with for over two years. No shame or guilt–there was more of a sadness that Peter couldn’t trust Jesus to save him.

We all take paths that are dangerous, some intentionally, others inadvertently. The paths we choose are reflections of what’s in our hearts, what our intentions are. If we choose to walk harsh paths, heading toward areas that are guaranteed unsafe, we have to take responsibility for what happens to us.

No matter what our circumstances, however, relying on Jesus to guide us on paths He knows are best for us is the assured way forward. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lts me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.” Psalm 23:1-3.

Jesus walks with us through every aspect of life if we allow Him to. He doesn’t abandon us or lead us into places that will destroy us. He yearns for us to trust Him with our next steps.

Like Scout, we’re all made for walking, moving toward a goal, with or without boots.

I could care less about my footwear if I’m guaranteed a trustworthy Guide and Companion along the way.

And I’ve got that.