Day 187

I'm wearing RED shoes on Day 187 of  The Red Shoe Project and life is stretching me.  OUCH!  

Most days, my focus is two-fold:  

     1.  Drawing closer to God.

     2.  Applying my faith to my everyday life.

In the days of my youth, I studied martial arts for many years.  Almost everyday I would spend time stretching.  There were several different exercises that I went through  in order to stretch every part of my body.  It took a while, but eventually, I was able to stand with my back against the wall, and lift my leg straight over my head.

Note:  Continual, consistent stretching brings forth flexibility!

There was one exercise in particular that was effective in stretching me further and further.  I would sit down with my legs spread apart and someone would slowly apply pressure to my lower back, moving my torso to the floor, between my legs.  Over time, I was able to rest my torso flat on the floor.

Note:  Applying pressure during stretching brings greater results!

Stretch - capable of making longer or wider without breaking or tearing.

Focus - the ability to concentrate on a particular activity, project, or interest.

Flexibility - capable of bending easily without breaking. 

Resilience - the ability to spring back into shape after stretching.

Balance - an even distribution of weight enabling one to be steady and unwavering.

These last few days many opportunities have surfaced to test me and stretch me in the applying of God's Word to my life.   I've had to take a time out from my normal, every day routine to do things a little differently.  For example, my house has been filled with family and close friends who are visiting, so I can't just take off and go on a three mile prayer walk or sit at my computer for four to fives hours at a time.  I had to do a lot of cooking, entertaining and tidying up.  All that takes time.  

Note:  Opportunities are situations or circumstances that arise in order for you to do something.

It's not just the work involved.  I have people staying with me that I love.  That doesn't happen often, let alone, all of them visiting at the same time, so when it does, I have to lay some things aside and focus on the priority for the day.

Priority - a thing that is regarded as more important than another.

Switching gears isn't my strong point.  But years of practice have helped my flexibility, resilience and balance.  I've had to work a little harder these past few days to make sure I don't miss out on the importance of this time.  

"Do not merely listen to the word 

and so deceive yourselves.  

Do what it says!"

James 1:22

My "Usual Daily Routine"  is easy because I do it everyday.   I love drawing closer to God, working on a deeper relationship with Him, hearing His voice.  I love facilitating classes, teaching and exhorting the people of God.   

 But a household of people?  Whew!... that means putting into practice all that God's Word teaches me.  Things like patience, holding my tongue, listening more, being a servant, encouraging others and lots of going with the flow. Those are things that stretch me!  It's the practical application of His Word.  

Note:  Balance does not necessarily mean daily equal distribution of both Drawing Closer to God and Applying His Word to my life.  Some days consist of personal one-on-one tutoring with the Master, Himself.  Other days, it's the life application of everything He's teaching me.  He sets the daily schedule and chooses the weighting of each.

It's been a busy few days.  It's been a good few days.  What can I say?  God's stretching me out, all while wearing RED shoes.

Gail