My husband always buys white tennis shoes. In over forty years of marriage, he’s never bought another color—until this time. This time, he bought gray tennis shoes. I like them. But every time I see them sitting by his chair or our bed, I’m confused. For a split second, I wonder, “Whose shoes are those?”
We are creatures of habit, and change is hard. Even when a change has no impact on what we do—like a new pair of shoes—it takes the brain a while to process. If such an insignificant change can be so difficult to grasp, how can we ever change things in our lives that are of great significance? How do we change bad habits into good ones? How do we change prejudice into acceptance? How do we change hate into love?
The short answer is, “We can’t.” We often don’t have the strength, desire, or will power we need to make changes like that on our own. No matter how much we determine we will power through, it takes very little to slip back into old, comfortable habits or mindsets. That’s why I’m thankful for Jesus. Jesus, Who came to earth and died for our sins, Who forgave us, and Who is the only One who can transform us into the image of God. In Christ, all things are possible. In Christ, changes can happen. Thank God that in Him we “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Do you need to make a change in your life? Ask God to help you. The biggest change He ever makes is when He cleanses us from our sins when we ask Him for forgiveness and put our lives in His hands. From that point forward, He helps us make the other changes we need, whether it’s something big like transforming an attitude or prejudice, or something personal, like changing our lifestyles to healthier ones.
And speaking of healthier lifestyles, I believe I will go find my own tennis shoes and take a walk.