It’s another night of insomnia so I’m blogging. I have problem feet. They are too wide. I have arches, but they turn and collapse inward. I have a Morton’s Neuroma (dead bundle of nerves) in my left foot. I have a left foot injury from 2013 that has never healed (and the doctor can’t find a solution). My feet swell and get way too hot when I walk. So I have tired, achy feet most of the time, especially if I try to walk for exercise, which I’ve been doing lately, when I’m well enough. A while back I decided to do something nice for myself and try to get a decent pair of athletic shoes properly fitted and selected.  I went to Foot Solutions where I found not much solution.  I bought New Balance Womens Size 8 Wide shoes, for $139.95 (ouch). They felt good in the store.  They felt good walking around the house to test them.  After I hit the trails in the park they started to pinch off my toes.  On a positive note, I was sold some inserts that have been helpful with my arch problem. But these shoes have got to go.  I hate to see them go to waste, so free to a good user are these shoes which I have worn about five times, always with socks.  They are pretty much like new.  I believe they are really closer to a 8 medium than a 8 wide. (I reserve the right to select who will get this one pair of used shoes for free–someone local to me–contact me if you’re interested.)

And thinking about something going to waste in my closet got me thinking about what a waste it is if we are afraid to really live life.  Are we afraid we might die so we are afraid to live?  I’m not afraid of dying, because I know I am ready to meet my maker.  (I do fear how bad the suffering might get before I die, but that is another story with which I must trust God.)  Like me, are you so afraid you might fail or might not be perfect that you’re often afraid to try at all?  Is life so fearful that you have to hold back like I do so often?  I’ve never paddled a kayak because I’m afraid I’ll not be strong enough or fall into the water and look stupid, for example, so I’ve missed out on the bliss of being on the water.  The Bible calls believers in Jesus to “run their races with endurance”. (Hebrews 12:1-3)  It is easier said than done.  I’m praying for myself and all my believing loved ones to really live our lives to the fullest and run for God with endurance.  What a waste if we stay hidden away in a closet of fear or disuse.  And unbelieving friend, one can never run with true endurance until that person has found peace with God in Jesus Christ, being released from the guilt of sin and error, being set free from fear of death, and given strength to live.  We must all allow God to set our feet on the right path and right race to begin with, otherwise we run in vain.  And then God, if we ask for it and trust Him, will give us the grace and strength to live according to His call, and not waste our lives.

Hebrews 12:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB):

“Jesus, the Example

12 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

See Psalm 91 to get a glimpse of God’s comfort and care for those who trust in Him.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NASB