Part II - Are Those Shoes Too Big?

“Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish." Luke 14:28-30

If you've ever left your house wearing shoes that were too big, you know that they can create potential pitfalls for your journey. As you try to walk down the street they begin flopping and sliding. The ill-fitting shoes make you prone to tripping and stumbling. Your forward progression is hindered because you're so busy trying to keep those darn shoes on your feet.  Then there's the pain that develops in your arches and around the tips of your toes from the lack of stability and constant shifting with every step.

If only you put on a proper fitting pair. Surely you would have, if you could have. Problem is there was this major event or seriously cute outfit and those shoes were the only "sensible" thing you had to wear, right? You probably borrowed them from your mother, sister, aunt or friend's closet. Perhaps it was a total act of desperation and you actually bought them.  Yes, you convinced yourself that stuffing those cute monstrosities with some padding would do the trick. How did that work out for you? LOL.

The truth is, most times we do make the sensible choice. We get creative with our wardrobe. As we become mature women, we learn that beauty doesn't have to be vain and coupled with pain. Instead of committing to an over sized shoe, we simply or feverishly move on to finding something comparable and better suited for our feet.  If only we could take the same approach with our careers, our relationships or even our ministries.  With anything in life, there will be challenges. However there is a difference between being challenged and incompetent, unequally yoked or simply overwhelmed.

When we take on a position, relationship or task that is too large for us, there is a lot more at stake. Our performance or the lack thereof isn't just make or break for us. It can significantly impact the company we own or work for, our clients, our constituents and our co-workers. It impacts the person that is mutual vested in developing a strong relationship with us.  It effects the souls that need and in many cases are depending on us.  No one is an island as they say.

Taking on a new position or project should be done with thorough consideration for what is required. Entering into a relationship should be done with honesty and clarity.  Our service should be aligned with our calling, gifts, talents and above all willingness to make sacrifices. 

A wise person will understand the skills needed for the job and evaluate their capabilities and resources to deliver. A considerate person will evaluate what they have and are willing to bring to a relationship before making promises they can't keep. A true servant will count the cost. 

Unlike blistered and bruised feet, the results of incompetence aren't as easily soothed and smoothed over by a foot massage or pedicure. A broken heart isn't easily mended and a failed mission doesn't always have a second opportunity to accomplish it's goal. They can lead to a loss of creditability and trust and just as these are not easily earned and they are even harder to regain once lost.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is avoid the unexpected and undesirable situations in our lives. Before taking that next big step or venturing out on that next mission, count the cost. Don't be discouraged if you find there are areas of lack in your life. At least you've successfully completed a sound assessment of your skills, resources and capabilities which will allow you to seek out and obtain help and direction. You will have a real understanding of what is required of you so that you don't grow weary while working, loving, giving and doing.


Prayer: Lord help me to seek your guidance and direction for every area of my life. Keep me from taking on things that you have not called me to but, in everything, help me to prosper.