Trading Old for New

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:19

I think we can all agree that high heels are the most beautiful shoes out there. My love affair with
them traces back to my childhood. My best friend and I would sneak into her mother’s closet,
take out her stilettos, and prance around as echoes of our steps filled the room. We were our own
versions of Daisy Duke—without the shorts.

When I moved to Alaska, I traded my heels for snow boots. Even in the summer, they don’t hold
up with all the gravel and dirt. Plus, they cost too much to scuff up. The heels survived my
annual closet purge for a few years, but eventually got added to the goodwill pile to fulfill
someone else’s dreams. Only one pair remains on my shelf for special occasions.

When we accept Christ, we receive a new wardrobe. But one has to take off the old clothes (or shoes) to put on the new ones. The key to taking off the old and putting on the new is to be renewed in the
spirit of one’s mind. To “put on the new self” requires a new way of thinking and a renewed
mind.

Growth requires change. As we evolve, what once worked for us might not have the desired
result as we move forward. Much like my old high-heels, which weren’t suited for Alaskan
terrain, we will need to let certain things go. It could be a grudge that squeezes the life out of us,
judging others that can make our walk unstable, or bitterness that leaves blisters on our hearts.

Think of one thing that would be good for you to let go of in order to grow into the person God
wants you to be. Then, ask Him to help you make practical changes. As you trade your old
mindsets in for new ones, you will become suited for the new terrain God wants to take you on in
your life journey.

^{Shelly Sulfridge}