These Boots

Psalm 119:133 – Direct my footsteps according to your word. (NIV)

It wasn't the doll that my husband and I had so carefully chosen to give our daughter for Christmas that captured her heart; it was a pair of brown boots. I can still see the smile that lit up the face of my two-year-old as she pulled her boots on over the feet of her cosy warm sleepers. She wanted them buckled, and, once they were fastened, she turned toward me, and beamed proudly, "Just like Grampy's!"

Later in the day, I watched from the window as she took her grandfather by the hand, and went out to the backyard. Together they made footprints in the snow. Simple brown boots that buckled and looked like her grandfather's were her best gift that Christmas.

The story reminds us that our children are watching us. They copy not only what we are wearing, but also our attitudes. If they follow our example, will their footsteps be directed toward God?

Prayer: Dear God, help us to follow in Your footsteps, so that our children will see You reflected in our lives, and be directed to the path of salvation and heaven. Amen.