Devotional – October 24, 2024

On Monday this week, I had a doctor’s appointment.  I’m getting more accustomed to having more and more of these.  

This appointment was one of the first of the day, and I had tried to get dressed as quietly as possible so that Jeni could continue to sleep.  This is not my best strength, but I did better this time.  

This appointment was with a doctor that I have only seen twice.  So we are just kind of getting to know each other a bit. 

While I thought this was just a check in to follow up on the skin cancer she had removed, she clearly had more in mind.  Several more pre-cancerous places were frozen to stop the process.  And she spent a long time examining my back, my skin, especially on my head.  I realized that this was rapidly becoming a long-term relationship.

So, I finished the appointment, paid my co-pay, and set out to do other things with the day.  

Early that afternoon, we had a handyperson come in to give us an estimate on a small job.  This is a person I/we have never met before.  She spent time talking to us, taking notes and pictures. 

Then that evening, I went to Bell Choir practice.  There are a couple of folks who play with us whom I don’t know that well, but most of them are pretty familiar folks.  

After all that had gone on that day, as I was getting ready for bed, I noticed something a bit odd.  In my attempt to keep quiet while getting dressed, I had put on two different shoes.  Different in shape, color, and texture.  I had been wearing these all day long.  

So, some observations.  Not too many people care if you wear mismatched shoes. The truth is that it doesn’t matter at all.  Who one is does not depend on whether clothing or shoes match.  

Today, let all the expectations you have for yourself and others slide a bit.  Give yourself a break, and give others a break.  Jesus said it this way: “I tell you this — do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.  For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. (Luke 12:22-23) 

Peace Be With You. – Paul