Pretty feet

Spring is approaching, the temperatures are getting milder, and my open-toed shoes are begging to be worn.  It’s time for a pedicure.  If you’ve never had one, I highly recommend that you invest in this experience.   Feet soaking in a warm whirlpool of fragrant water, the chair massaging your shoulders and back, it’s a little taste of heaven….until they begin the work.  Now, if you’re like me, feet are a tickle spot.  So even when they are gently working, it may detract from any deep relaxation hoped for.

Nails are addressed first – this involves the removal of any polish, clipping, and filing (cringe).  While grinding my teeth a bit through this process, it doesn’t last long and once back in the warm, whirling pool, all is better.  After soaking a bit, cuticles are trimmed.  I have learned not to watch as this is done, because it involves a sharp cutting instrument called a cuticle nipper.  Trust in the technician is a must to remain relaxed.

In order to accomplish the end goal of smooth, pretty feet, it is then necessary that the rough places on the feet be dealt with using a pumice stone.  If you’ve never had a pedicure, or it’s been a really long time since your last, it may require something more severe that literally shaves away those rough parts, such as a callous file.  Again, trust is important.

Next, your feet are covered in hot wax designed to soften the skin – I don’t know if it really does, but it certainly feels wonderful! While the feet are waxed the massage begins.  This, my friends, is the highlight of the experience.   Lotion applied, the skillful hands apply the perfect amount of pressure to relieve stress and soothe tired muscles.  Wax removed, this massage extends to the feet. While this may occasionally produce what looks like quick spasms if you’re ticklish, in the end is worth the discomfort.

Lastly, the polish and design of your choosing are applied to the nails.  All completed, you leave the salon feeling pampered and pretty, displaying your feet as a work of art.  Guys normally skip the polish and feeling pretty part….

Did you know the bible talks about pretty feet?

Isaiah 52:7 says “How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!”

God says our feet are beautiful when we share the good news, when we proclaim to others “Our God reigns!”  But as I thought about the pedicure process, I began to look back at all God has worked in my life, and is still working in me, as I learn how to boldly and courageously share the gospel.  He strips away old coverings, baring what is underneath.  He buffs and trims and cuts away those things that He can’t use – attitudes that are rough and harmful to others.  Words that are harsh and sharp.  Strife that opposes His message of peace.  He covers us in His love and works in us His plan, His design when we yield to Him in trust.

Are we avoiding the discomfort of the changes God wants to make?  Do we long to be used by Him, yet draw back when He begins to buff and trim and cut away?  Do we trust Him?  A pedicure is a silly example, but can we relate?  How many have missed the very best God had for them because it was hard or uncomfortable.

I want pretty feet when I leave the nail salon.  Much more than, that I want my feet to be the carriers of the good news, the news of salvation to those who would come.  I want my voice to cry out to His own “OUR GOD REIGNS!!”  I want to shake off the fear that I’m not ready, that I’m not perfect, that I don’t have it all together yet!  I want to step out and compel those who are lost to come in! I want to share this message of peace with all who will listen!

Come with me – let’s be the beautiful feet that take this message into our everyday worlds!