THROW OUT THE OLD SHOES

throw out the old shoes!

 An abandoned orphan boy wanted nothing more in the world than to belong to a family.  At age eight, his opportunity finally arrived.  A family wanted to adopt him!  Introductions were made, papers were signed, and soon he arrived at his new home.  The young lad took along all his hope and possessions, the old worn out clothes he was wearing and one single toy.  

 His new parents were delighted to have him and desperately wanted him to feel like part of the family.  A special celebration dinner was held.  He was given his own room and introduced to other kids on their street.  They discarded his old clothes and bought him beautiful new ones.  Also they bought him a bike and a variety of toys.  Pretty soon he began to feel just like the other children in the neighborhood, very well loved and part of a great family.  

 However, one thing was rather curious.  The young boy’s old shoes, with big holes, were not tossed out with the rest of his old clothes.  His new father placed them prominently on the living room mantel and it wasn’t long before his newly adopted son found out why.  Every time he did something wrong his father would go and get those shoes and say “Look at all we’ve done for you.  We took you in when you had nothing.  Now look at how you have behaved!”

 Unfortunately, too many of us have the tendency to do the same thing in our relationships.  All too often, we dredge up the past and throw it back in someone’s face, never letting them forget how much they are indebted to us.  True love and genuine acceptance will make us THROW OUT THE OLD SHOES, absolutely refusing to exhume the dead body of someone’s past (or reminders of our generosity toward them) in order to hold it over their head.

 Think.  What life experiences would you have to let go so true love can prevail?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!