Tired Feet, Thankful Heart: Finding Gratitude in the Journey

Last night I was praying for my sore foot and ankle and was feeling a bit discouraged with the pain I was having in both after a long day. I have had numerous issues with both of my feet and one ankle over the years, and I keep pressing on and pressing through. It is tough at times because of the fact that every movement affects your feet. When you feel pain with every step, it can suck the life and energy out of your spirit.

Last night, I had my red light therapy pad on my foot/ankle, and I was sitting there looking at my foot, reflecting on all the foot pain I have had over the years. All of a sudden, my spirit turned towards gratitude instead of despair. I began reflecting on all of the places my feet have taken me. My feet have walked the streets of Jerusalem, and they have taken me on hikes in the Swiss Alps. I have walked the streets of New York City...many miles of that city, I might add. I have had countless walks in my neighborhood, the beach, the mountains, Europe, South America, the US and the Canadian Rockies, and more.

(I will spare you all the photos I have taken over the years, of my feet in different places doing fun things.)

So what am I going to choose to focus on?

I can live in frustration that my foot/ankle pain limits me, or I can be exuberantly thankful for the life I have lived despite the pain.

I choose thankfulness. I will endeavor to keep my mind fixed on the beauty and not the disappointment. 

We all have those pains, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, that can suck the life and energy out of us. We all have the same choice. What will you choose to focus on?

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”