Sparkly Shoes

 I am of the mindset that feelings are arbitrary for the most part.  Yes, we should consider them and try and understand what they are telling us.  We should definitely pay attention to our bodies when we are tired, mad or sad.  This is all part of emotional intelligence.  HOWEVER, I am not sure that we should dictate our world and make all of our decisions based on what we feel. 

I'll give you an example.  One day, I woke up with a craving for pizza.  This is not weird, I always want pizza.  This day the yen for a particular type of pizza was really strong and I was looking forward to the time that I could go to the store and get what I wanted.  I get home and my dear sweet husband tells me that he wants tacos and just like that, my strong feelings were changed and I was okay with tacos. 

I'll give you another example.  I remember feeling down in the dumps as a preteen/teen.  And then, I would learn that my crush was coming and all of a sudden that depression or sad feeling would just sail away.  I promise you that I would become another person when he was around.  It was like I was lit up! 

Yesterday I confessed that I was tired.  Today I woke up and made a decision.  I put on my sparkly shoes.  You should see how I walk in these sparkly shoes!  I bought them for Easter and I wore them all day.  They are comfortable and sparkly and they make me feel good.  I got a great deal for them.  I'm still tired but I feel better about it with my shoes. 

Another thing I will do is I will make up my face in my favorite colors and I will wear my favorite jewelry.  Some times it is good to get your nails done or do your hair.  Go ahead!  Dye your hair.  I like to touch my hair up almost every week.  I love changing it and experimenting with color.  I love wearing lipstick.  I'm not telling you to be vain.  I'm not telling you not to read your Bible or pray.  I'm telling you to pray to God then remember who you are and what makes you who you are.

It is important to control yourself.  Proverbs 16:32 states, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."  I'm thinking about all of us who have a tiny bit of road rage.  Friends, it is better to be patient. 

There are more verses in the Bible about self-control, self-discipline and controlling your emotions.  Remember yourself and who you are.  If this means pulling out your favorite shoes, then so be it.  This is what I'm doing today.  And for this I am thankful, for the little things that help me remember, I praise God.  Praise the Lord!