Old Boots

Standing before the doctor, the man described his chronic back pain. Listening carefully, the doctor tried to determine the problem. The patient’s back seemed normal and healthy, then the doctor noticed a weathered pair of boots clumped together in the corner.

“Tell me about those,” the doctor instructed.

“Oh, those are my work boots. They belonged to my father, and I’ve worn them every day since he died. They’re the most comfortable boots you can imagine, completely broken in.”

Picking one up, the doctor saw that the sole was worn completely down on one side. The other boot was also unevenly worn.

“The problem isn’t your back. It’s these boots. They may fit and feel comfortable, but they’re worn and uneven. They’re the source of your pain.”

The man left the office with a heavy heart. He loved the boots. He loved the connection they brought to his father. He loved all that he and the boots had been through, but the doctor ordered him to change boots.

If only it were as easy to change our spiritual boots.