One afternoon, a week or so ago, Blessing and I set out for our walk. I had been thinking recently of shortening her walk a little and making it more manageable for me. As we headed down our street, I was pondering which route to take. Before we got off our street, the Holy Spirit told me which route to take. One we had walked before, but I had forgotten about. At about the halfway point of our route, we were walking along a sidewalk that was not plowed. So we did our best to follow the footprints from those who had gone before us, which worked for a few minutes but eventually got awkward, because that person's gate is different than mine and therefore their foot steps don't match mine. Meaning that after a few steps, you have to really pay attention to the next footprint because it's not in the spot you want it to be.
As I was attempting to walk in someone else's footprints, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the importance of walking my own path and not in other's footsteps. Oh, my goodness. What a moment and powerful metaphor. Of which I was not expecting. I was simply taking Blessing out for a walk and was debating listening to a podcast as I did so. I'm glad I didn't listen to one, though. They have their place, and I enjoy them, but I would have missed out on this amazing message and lesson from God if I had been listening to a podcast.
You see, it all started a few weeks ago. I was thinking how there are some married woman in my life who don't dress up very much, and I think they should dress up for their husband's more often, and dress more like how I dress. Yes, I can hear the arrogance and pride seeping through with every word. My hubby likes it when I get dressed up, and I love getting dressed up for both of us. Also, because of my personal choices, being that I don't wear pants, skirts and dresses are naturally more dressy and therefore the majority of my wardrobe is 'Sunday best.' again, I know I sound supper prideful and arrogant right now. Just give me a minute. I also know that everyone is different, and some men like it when their wives dress up, some like jeans and a t-shirt, and again, some like yoga or track pants on their wives. God has made us all different and given us different tastes, and it's important to respect and honor those tastes and opinions.
Anyways, when the Holy Spirit talked to me that day on our walk, He was talking about more than just clothing. He was also saying that everyone has a different path in life and that we should not compare His plan for our life vs someone else's life. Easier said than done, of course.
Fast forward to this week. This morning, in fact. I was spending time reading my Bible and praying. I've been struggling to hear God for the last few days and feeling a bit frustrated about it. I've been rethinking how I spend time with God and wondering if I need to change up my methods to hear better. I have still been praying and reminding myself that even if I can't hear Him in the moment, I know that He does hear me and is answering my prayers according to His will. I know all this because He has answered countless prayers over the years, and He doesn't change. Meaning that even if I can't hear Him in this moment, it doesn't mean that He can't hear me anymore or that I can't hear Him. I was then comparing my husband's relationship with God to my relationship with God. Hubby now hears God more than I do, and for that I am so grateful. He has grown into such an amazing man of God and leader in our home, and I am so blessed. Anyways, while I was comparing my relationship with God to hubby's relationship with God, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me to 'stay in my own lane' and not compare my path with hubby's path. I think my first thought was, 'fair enough,' and possibly followed by, 'hey, I can hear your voice again.'
So. Now I need to practice staying in my own lane and not comparing my path to other people's paths. I need to focus on following Jesus and loving others.
I pray that this post at least gives you a little chuckle, and at best, it challenged and encouraged you.
God Bless
~Hannah
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