Beautiful (and Busy!) Feet that “Go”

I often wake up with a particular train of thought running through my head: “Go and make disciples of all nations. How beautiful are the feet of those that bring good news. Go on, then, get up. There’s discipleship stuff to do and, here in Japan, over 99% of the people don’t love Jesus, so let’s go!”

My feet hit the ground ready to go.

But first,

I need to make breakfast.

And dress the kids for school.

And iron my husband’s shirt.

And make the grocery list.

And so on and so on and…

Wait, how is it already 9 p.m.?

I was so busy with the day’s unending tasks that I didn’t even get to wash my feet properly in the shower, much less have those beautiful, good-news-bringing kind of feet! I can’t believe I failed again to follow one of the most famous commands in Scripture.

I want to be a good steward of my time and energy. After all, there are just 24 hours a day (and wisdom says up to two cups of coffee, maximum). So who should get the majority of my 24 hours and limited bandwidth? Perhaps family and friends. Maybe I could try my hand at street evangelism. Should I keep it simple and just go knock on my neighbor’s door? How can I have those beautiful feet that bring good news? How should I prioritize my daily responsibilities and tasks to be able to “go”?

What do beautiful feet look like when they “go”?

The best feet to examine would be those of Jesus Christ. When we think of the things that Jesus did, we get an image of what beautiful feet look like. They dined at table, set off to sea, walked to lonely places, played with kids, and knelt next to deathbeds. However, there’s nothing inherently holy about this list. My feet are with me when I eat too. They were with me when I nursed my children and wept with grieving friends. But what makes Jesus’ feet so beautiful, and what makes his actions so holy, is that they walked in the Father’s love. They simply couldn’t help but bring the good news with them.

Beautiful feet are beautiful because they are steeped in the truths of Scripture. Have you spent time today soaking up the deep, deep love the Father has for you? You may not have an hour to dedicate to silence and solitude, but I wonder if, while taking one long breath in, you can reflect on the mightiness of God. Then, with a slow breath out, remember that same mighty God loves you ever so tenderly. Breathe in. God is mighty. Breathe out. He loves me tenderly.

When and how can I “go”?

All areas of my life must endeavor to love God and make him known. Why? Because all things are from him, through him, and to him (Romans 11:36). My feet should always be beautiful because they should always be ready with the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). I see Jesus’ example and I’m ready to follow, but how can I “go”? My days are filled with language study, preparing lunches, and somehow tackling yet another load of laundry. How can I “go” and do this precious work?

Then I realized I am always “going”.

At all times. Everywhere. To each person I am with. I am always “going”.

And so are you.

And sister, I am here to tell you some good news: we don’t have to rearrange our responsibilities or find clever ways to “go!” The Spirit dwells in us. So whether it’s a hospital, birthday party, or nursing mom’s room, our feet are already equipped to love God and love others. Everywhere we walk we carry his peace, his hope, and his kingdom.

When we know Jesus, walk with him, and love him, we have beautiful feet all day long.

We “go” when we make breakfast, give baths, buy groceries, and work out. My beautiful feet “bring good news”…

When I comfort my nervous daughter before her musical performance.

As I sit with my disheartened son after his toy car breaks.

While I show compassion to my husband when his stress levels rise.

Where are your feet taking you?

What’s on your calendar today? Whether your feet take you to language school, to Bible study, to get more diapers, or on a date with your husband, “go”. Bring the good news with you. Your feet are truly beautiful.

Please share in the comments what is going on in your world today. Is there an area of your life in which it’s particularly hard to imagine your feet being beautiful? Ask for help in the comments below! There is a wealth of wisdom available in the women visiting this site.

See you in the comments!