Long ago I was in a carpool with 3 friends. As one of their mothers drove us four drowsy highschoolers to school she kept up a running monologue. I have forgotten it all except for one repeated bit of wisdom. “You know what I do when I’m tired?” She would rhetorically ask the air. “When you get home just change your shoes. So simple but you really feel better. Refreshed.” Somehow, when words like tired, vacation, or bored came out of one of our mouths it would start her off. We weren’t sure what refreshing even meant or how this shoe change could make her so happy. I imagine we rolled our teenage eyes and looked out the window. 

Since then, my feet have worn flip flops in torrential rain as well as boots on slippery ice. I have returned home and put on clean sandals in Laos and warmed my feet in fuzzy slippers in Mongolia. And yes, Mrs. P, just that act did change my outlook for the moment.  

Why this little trip down memory lane? For one thing, refreshment doesn’t always need a retreat center, a day spa or a holiday. How about… 

Lying down for a few minutes listening to a favorite song. 

Taking a short walk. 

Confessing a self-centered attitude. 

Watching a favorite part of a movie. 

Reading a portion of scripture aloud. 

Sending a short encouraging text to a friend. 

Finishing some little project. 

The Bible has a lot to say about our refreshment. We’re even given examples. 

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. Acts 3:19-20 

David refreshed Saul with music and shared that the Lord led him beside still waters to restore his soul. David slept – sometimes the best refreshment – because in God he lived in safety. Paul acknowledges by name those who refreshed his spirit. Isaiah asks to be given God’s word for others’ refreshment. Peter reminds a crowd (and me too!) that repentance brings times of refreshing. Jesus uses a cup of water to illustrate the never-ending need He comes to fulfill. And how many times do we read how the Word promises to revive our soul? 

Let’s change our shoes today!