Friday, March 6, 2020

Go the Extra Mile


Matthew 5:41
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

I am in dire need of new gym shoes.  The last pair I buy from Payless Shoes, before they go out of business, turn as bankrupt on me as does their source in the market.  I've never seen a hole in the big toe area erupt so fast in any shoe I've ever owned!

My husband, Danny, is always thoughtful and empathetic whenever I voice a need or a want.  He knows I dislike having to shop outside of the internet.  And he knows I've been wanting to replace my shoes.  So, when he makes his monthly trek to Costco, he is sure he has hit pay dirt when he finds these Fila's.


Yes, they are my size, but will they truly fit?  I think so at first when I try them on, but after one trip to the gym, I change my tune.  I can barely go one mile, let alone two.  They are too loose in the heel, are prone to coming untied unless double-knotted, and worst of all, the imperfect fit throws my right hip totally out of whack.

Something must be done, and fast.  I slip on an old pair of shoes that I've thankfully kept, and it's off to Kohl's I go!  Blessedly, I find a pair of Sketchers that are both comfortable and affordable.  Here they are!


Still, for a day or two, my feet, tortured by the Fila's, take time to adjust to the feel of the Sketchers.  And as I reflect upon the state of discomfort while walking, I realize how much I take my feet and legs for granted.

Never again!

Thank you, Father, for strong, healthy legs and feet that allow me to be mobile and active.  May I always be willing to go that extra mile for anyone who needs me to be that friend, that neighbor, that encourager to share and carry their burdens.

Amen!

28 comments:

  1. Feet are very under-rated and often neglected. They are often hidden away in socks and then put into shoes. They never get the chance to see daylight or talk to each other and yet they are expected to take us places without even seeing where they are going. Often they have to carry the heavy weight of the person that owns them without any appreciation or word of thanks. We should pamper our feet and cherish them. I have even named mine. One is called "left" and one is "right"; but I can never remember which is which.

    Shoes can be a problem too. I once had a hole in my shoe and it was letting in water. So I made another hole in the shoe for the water to get out. I lost a shoe once whilst out walking. I was running across the street and it came off. I was limping all the way home with just one shoe on. To correct the limp I walked on the edge of the side-walk with one foot on the side-walk and one in the street. This made me walk straight but I had to go all the way round the block turning left all the time until I found my house.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you, Victor, for starting my day out with a good laugh - Lord knows, I need it!
      Yes, we do so often take our feet, and other body parts, for granted, don't we? We should, instead, be giving thanks for our health and abilities.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. It is difficult for me to find a good pair of shoes that fit just right and do not hurt my feet. I can fully relate. Good shoes are very important, my fault is that once I find a pair, I keep them for much longer than I should. I have a pair now that is beginning to lose a portion of its sole, I think I have another couple months in them at the most. More important than the feet and shoes, however, is how you end your post... Being willing and able to go the extra mile when called upon.

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    1. I tend to do the same with shoes, Ryan, wearing them until they are worn out, which isn't the best thing to do. May we all be willing to go that extra mile for the sake of another.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. So true. At my age, many of my peers are compromised by painful joints or other mobility problems. I am blessed to be as healthy as I am with legs and feet that carry me willingly and well. Good reminder--thanks!

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    1. Amen, Galen! May we be grateful for our good health, especially as we get older.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. First I gotta say, your Danny is a sweetheart! I, too, loathe shopping outside the internet -- but the state of my olden feet says otherwise. Some months ago I went to DSW and tried on half a dozen different sneakers. While I didn't buy any of them, I wrote down the size of each that felt best (I fluctuate between 8-1/2 and 9). Next time I need new, I'll shop Thred-Up or Poshmark using my cheat-sheets.

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    1. What a great idea, Myra! I should do the same thing with different brands, styles, etc. And I would have to agree with you that Danny is one sweet guy!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Go the extra mile. Yep that is what we need to do...in old or new shoes. Hopefully your feet will soon acclimate themselves to your new shoes and you will be back to your old ways.

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    1. The new shoes have now entered the category of most comfortable ever, Bill! I am so grateful to be able to walk that extra mile.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. What a great illustration, Martha, of going the extra mile. I certainly know the frustrations of shoe shopping. It's always sad when shoes or any other item of beloved clothing wear out and need replacing.

    All things considered, I'm in a good place and my entire body gets me to where I need to be or where I want to go. From my perspective, I'm stronger and healthier than many of my peers.

    Keep on keeping on, my friend!

    Love and blessings!

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    1. I love your positive and upbeat take on life, Kim - so inspiring! And yes, I'll keep on keeping on in these new shoes, walking that extra mile for the Lord.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. I always have to buy shoes on the internet because I wear a 12W. Payless was the only store that carried anything in my size, and as you mentioned, Payless is gone.Thankfully, I am usually lucky with my purchases. Glad you found a pair to bring comfort to your feet and legs!

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    1. I'm so glad I found these, too, Terri. There's nothing worse than shoes that don't fit correctly (well, there are worse things, but you catch my drift). Your size would be a difficult one to find in a regular shoe store, but I'm glad you've been lucky with your online purchases.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. good illustration and lesson. I too need a new pair and often find like you that they don't feel good after a longer walk. I am considering going 30 miles to a running shop that specializes in fitting people well and investing in a good pair of walking tennies. will let you know if that works too,

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    1. We have some of those stores in the Atlanta metro, Jean, and if this second pair hadn't worked, I would have traveled to one of them, that's for sure. I think it's worth the trip to be fitted properly. Let me know what you find!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. I hear ya about finding good shoes that are also comfortable, Martha.

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    1. Amen, Beckie! Feeling grateful for this new pair.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  10. An internet shopper! A kindred spirit! LOL.

    Last Saturday night I went the"extra mile" for someone. The next morning at church, all I heard were complaints. Not one thank you. I sat in my seat waiting for the service to shart and now I was complaining. To The LORD about her ungratefulness. The LORD quickly responded to my heart, "Now, you know how I feel." WHOA!!!! Oh, how I repented.. Loved this post, Martha

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    1. Oh, wow, Diane, that is one powerful message from the Lord, and one we all should take to heart! It's so easy to grumble and complain instead of being grateful for all that we have. For years, I've cultivated a "gratitude attitude" in my life,and what a difference that makes for the better!
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Wonderful analogy...and wonderful choice of shoes! Skechers are my only shoe anymore. I know they are expensive, but they last and they fit and they are comfortable! They are worth the money to me. I even have a black pair that looks good enough for church with my black dress pants. May the Lord bless you as you "go the extra mile" with Him in every walk of your life these days. He will be there with you!!!

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    1. So glad to see you here, Pamela! It means you're up and somewhat running after your surgery, and that's the best news!
      Yes, Sketchers are pricey, but I've found it doesn't help to cut corners expense-wise when it comes to having comfortable feet. Glad to know it's your only brand of shoe nowadays!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. How sweet he got you a pair of shoes, but what a shame they did not work out for you! It's good you were able to get another pair instead! :)

    I have a dodgy knee I injured just before the new year and I find the right shoes make such a difference to my pain levels - almost all my shoes are flats, but I've been relying on my old comfortable and supportive running shoes as an essential for walking around! lots of physio sessions too!

    Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend :) We had a date night last night which was awesome :)

    Away From Blue

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    1. It truly was sweet, Mica, and it's the thought that counts, always. Sorry to hear about your dicey knee, but hope the more supportive shoes will definitely aid in ultimate healing for you.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Amen! I think it was incredibly sweet of your husband to do that for you! Even though it didn't work out, to know he was thinking of you like that is just so touching. God bless you both today!

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    1. Danny is absolutely the best, Cheryl, no doubt about it!
      Love and blessings!

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  14. I am a big fan of Sketchers, Martha. They are so comfortable and light. It was nice of your hubby to think of you when he was shopping at Costco, though. I have the same problem as you - shoes are often to wide in the heel for me. Glad you are back to adding up those miles! :)

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    1. I'm so glad I'm back at it, too, Laurie! Now that I've discovered Sketchers, I don't think I'll ever wear another type of walking shoe.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

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