Mr. Smackdown Has a New Pair of Shoes

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

In the 1940's, George de Mestral went on a walk with his dog. That walk lead to the discovery of Velcro. When the man and his best friend arrived home, he discovered their legs covered in burdock. This thistle gift found in nature hastened children being able to put shoes on without help and a lack of tripping from laces hanging like spaghetti of their feet.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

I've come a long way. As a teacher, I disdained Velcro on my students. Why? I felt that a 5 year old should be able to tie their shoe. It was a necessary fine motor skill.

I wasn't a parent in my teaching days. Now I know why Velcro shoes are so helpful to a parent. I have always had my children in Velcro, until now.

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I
feel His pleasure." Eric Liddell in the movie, Chariots of Fire

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

This picture represents yet another rite of passage that we have made this Spring. Mr. Smackdown got his first pair of lace up running shoes.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

I find myself being pretty sentimental about this purchase. It is yet another step of teaching my child how to be independent, of me letting go. My hope and prayer is that as he gains independence, grows, and learns, that he will run with perseverance the race God has for him.