Boots Out of the Box Women

I was in one of my favorite stores Saturday.

Just Off Main in Abbeville.

Just Off Main is located at 101 Church Street in Abbeville, SC.

My friends Dale & Karen Sherwood run it.

And it's always full of great finds and prices to match.

Scott spotted them on a shelf.

Closed up in a box.

Pristine condition.

Never worn.

The age of the box suggested they had been there for some time.

Steel toed boots.

Scott's size.

$20.

He couldn't resist.

And...…..they came home with us.

They've been sitting on a bench.

At the foot of our bed for days.

And as I've walked by and looked at them all week.

I couldn't help but think.

I don't want to be that person.

That never ventures out of my box.

Carefully protecting myself from being used.

Not fulfilling my purpose.

I know.

From boots to life's purpose.

That's quite a jump.

(Smile.)

But.

The comparison was just plain striking to me.

At the end of my life.

I pray my boots get dirty.

I hope they're used.

And worn out.

I hope they're covered in dust & mud & scuffs and spots.

I hope the soles are coming apart.

And holes are nearly worn through the toes.

The box is no where to stay.

Whether it's boots.

Or life.

Being carefully preserved and protected.

Doesn't sound so good to me.

It's best for me.

To jump in.

Boots first.

And do the thing.

Make this quickly passing life count.

There's something beautiful.

About a life well lived.

Just like these "boots out of the box" women.  

Here's just a few that come to mind.

Dr. Catherine Hamlin has operated a fistula clinic in Ethiopia for more than half a century.

Linda & Norris Wilson were our neighbors for over 20 years in Greenwood.  Linda continues to pour her life out & serve friends, church members & family.  I've learned a lot from watching her.

Dr. Maya Angelou, American poet.

Jane Goodall, Primatologist & Anthropologist.

My friend & teammate, Molly Dannelly.

My friend & Kenya missionary, Danee Davis.

How about you?

At the end of your life.

Will your boots still be carefully stored away in the box?

Or will they be more like these?

Evidence.

Of a life well used.