The Pleasure of Tight Boots

by Alan Smith

I heard about a preacher-farmer who bought a brand new pair of boots. However, the boots turned out to be a tad too tight. The bootmaker offered to stretch them so they would fit.

"You'll not stretch these boots an inch!", insisted the man. "You see, I start every morning before sunrise checking on some ornery cows that have knocked down a fence or caused some other trouble. Then I go to the office and listen to all of the members complain about this and that. Then I come home to hear my wife tell me what chores I haven't gotten done around the house. When I get ready for bed and I take off those tight boots....Well, some days that's the only pleasure I have!"

    What is it that gives you pleasure at the end of the day? Perhaps it's going home to a warm and cozy house? A lazy-boy recliner and TV remote? A comfortable bed? Perhaps it's going home to a loving family, a spouse and children who love you unconditionally. There's nothing like the little arms of your children around your neck to know the meaning of pleasure.

    David offers one more suggestion:

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you." ... The LORD is all I need. He takes care of me ... I praise the LORD because he advises me. Even at night, I feel his leading. I keep the LORD before me always. Because he is close by my side, I will not be hurt ... You will teach me how to live a holy life. Being with you will fill me with joy; at your right hand I will find pleasure forever. (Psalm 16:2,5,7-8,11 NCV)

    May you know the pleasure today of being with God ... it's even better than taking off tight boots at the end of the day!

    Have a great day!

Posted: 09/27/2003
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200309/20030927_boots.html

(c) 2003 Alan Smith <Alan.Smith@whcoc.com>. Used by permission. This devotional was reprinted from "Thought for the Day." <http://www.TFTD-online.com>

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