Old Boots and Ole Friends

Old boots are much like ole friends. They started out a little stiff and perhaps a little awkward. In the beginning, they were not a perfect fit. However, the more time I spent with them, the more we molded as one.

We have walked on many rough roads and few that were smooth. Through our journeys, we had to carefully make our way over rounded, slippery stones while crossing cold creeks. There were times, we had to stomp our way through brier patches and climb over fallen trees. We ended up scratched and scuffed because we did not choose the well taken ways.

Yes, they are now my best friends even though they have lost their store-bought shimmer. They are now covered with history’s dust. Sometimes they are taken for granted, because there are wrinkles where my foot bends. They may look tired and tattered to strangers but to me they are just about right.

When I see them by the door, they beckon me to hit the road again. I lace them up tight but not too tight, for ole’ friends need room too. I’m not sure what may be around the next curve, but my familiar friends keep me stepping on. I couldn’t take a step without them, for surely I would fall.

I know the day will come when their soles will slip away from earthly paths. I will reluctantly bid them farewell knowing that our journey has been blessed. Just about the time they seemed to fit, I had to say goodbye.

My memories of the roads we walked, will never fade.  As I tell my tales to any who will listen, my eyes look to my feet as if in deep thought. They will think I am looking for my next word, but I am looking back seeing faithful friends and rough roads. Then a single tear splatters the dust on an old friend long gone.

They have served me well, my ole friends. The land we walked. The rocks we kicked. The snakes we stomped. The waters we crossed. The marks of brush and scars of thorns tell a story few will hear. We seldom walked straight streets but twisting pathways of rock, dirt, dung, and mud. Our journey was the cross we bore following in the sandalled feet of Jesus.

Our journey will soon end and with joyful sadness we will part. Both of us will surely nod to affirm. It was better to have taken the journey than to have never taken a step. Farewell, Vidkolu, Adios, and Adieu!

Scripture:  “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV).

My prayer: Thank you Lord for old boots and old friends. They have journeyed and weathered the road with us. The journey would not have been the same without them. Thank you for old boots and ole friends as their wrinkles remind us not of their age but of the journey.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt

Pathway Outreach Ministries