Shouts of Joy

They have been stretched and abused, re-soled, repaired and
broken again. And again. And again. They are my favorite. They have supported
my journey for a long time and been faithful to my feet.

I have run through grassy fields at outdoor concerts in
these shoes. I have lain sobbing in a ball on my bedroom floor in these shoes.
I have beaten my fists angrily and kicked walls in these shoes. I have worked,
played, loved and lost in these shoes. 
In these shoes I have drug my feet, tapped my feet and started out on a
new adventure. They have seen some of the darkest moments of my adulthood and
led me into joy abounding. They have been great.  But they no longer serve their function.

Now its time they were put to rest. They are beyond
duct-tape and band-aids. I love them but I’m ready for the shoes God has chosen
for me. Not the ones I have chosen for myself.

Take me as I am TODAY God. Take my own expectations of where
I think I should be or where I think you want me to be. Because the truth is that I am right
where I need to be. Sitting at your feet, surrendering all.

Father, I lay down my future and MY hope of what it will
look like and who will be in it.  I
lay down my wildest dreams and deepest anxieties-it’s all yours.

NO MORE BAND-AIDS. No more doubts. No more trying to run in
shoes I can’t even walk in. No more holding on to an idea or a person, an
image, a time, a fear or reverie. My hands are open to let go and to receive as
you see fit.

Set it on fire, my God my King. May it be a pleasing
sacrifice to you.