Hey, life? Are you kidding me?

If I Were In Your Shoes . . .

If I were in your shoes . . . . I'd kick 'em off and tell you to give me my own damn shoes back. Or better yet let me go barefoot. It's 100 degrees outside I don't need any accessories on.

Why do we say this? If I were in your shoes I'd blah blah blah. Well, guess what? You're not me. You may know the concrete facts but not the abstract part of what's going on within me. I mean advice is fine - when the intent is well-meaning and the advice is wanted -- but quite honestly, I have enough on my plate and know I make my share of mistakes without putting myself in other people's shoes all the time. I don't even like shoes. Well, not true - I like to buy them but not so much wear them.

And then there is:

Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes/mocassins (depending on what part of the country you are from)

Okay, I get I'm being too literal here but walking a mile in a man's shoe attire does not give you judgement rights. For one thing, maybe they fit you differently. Maybe you like Nike, and they rub blisters on my feet. And really, a mile? It doesn't show you the 20 miles it took me to get to this spot - the good, bad, and ugly of it - nor can you say what the next step is going to bring. Plus, once again I point out - it is damn hot outside - what kind of person wants to walk a mile in even the most comfortable shoes? How about we just shorten it to "Don't judge a man." mocassins, sandals, heels, tennis shoes, or God help us, barefoot!

What do we get from judging? Does it make us feel better? Superior? Helpful? Righteous? Is its purpose really to give the person true insight and help? I'm sure it is sometimes, but I'm thinking many of us just need to keep our own shoes on and not share any foot fungi, because we have a life of our own and ultimately God will judge us on it. I'm pretty sure all shoes fit Him. In fact, sometimes I could swear I feel Him walking with me in mine.

Not trying to step on toes,
Audra