Can you remember getting those new pair of tennis shoes before school started? I can recall asking mom and dad if I could wear my new shoes and then the clerk would put my old shoes in the box. I would go out into the mall and see how quick they could make me run. I was convinced I was faster than before.
One year, I remember asking for Nike's because a kid at school had made fun of my brown Sears shoes. The boy said to me, "What do your shoes say? 'The Winner'?" I can tell you that I felt much more like a loser at that moment! I went home and begged mom and dad for Nike's. They said I could pay the difference for the more expensive shoe. The Sears shoes were $12.99 and the Nike's were $19.99. Every red cent of that seven dollars was worth the pride and prestige of wearing my new name brand.
I was trying to come up with a good word picture for how I feel in this new home, in this new city, in this new church, with new neighbors, a new gym, new schools for my kids, new stores, new roads, new job…….new everything! Shoes seemed to fit (pun not intended).
New shoes are awesome. They look great. They are fresh and bright. They give the illusion of speed. Other people come up to you and say,"Cool shoes!"
Old shoes are way more comfortable. You know how they are gonna feel when you put them on. As a matter of fact you don't even think about it. They don't give you blisters. You can actually run faster because they are broken in. (Athletes never buy new shoes right before a race) They fit! And they fit good!
I guess I can't wait until I fit, in this new place. Only time can make all of my "news" become "not new" and then like a pair of shoes I won't even think about it, but all will be familiar and comfortable again.
The other day my cycling instructor Wanda, hollered at us over the music, "Get out of your comfort zone!" I later assured her that I was officially out of that comfort zone! She assured me this would bring about growth and benefits. I guess time will tell. I'm banking on it.
