A Wonderfully, Annoying Protrusion

There is a certain kind of sandal I like to wear.
The shoes are a bit more expensive but they are so comfortable for my back.
I can walk all day in those walking sandals.
They are not the most stylish shoe in the world but they feel amazing.

I went on the website to look and see what styles they had for fall.
We are planning to visit our son in D.C. in a few weeks.
I knew that we would be doing a lot of walking.
I want to see all the monuments again and want to be prepared to walk many miles.

The website has hiking boots, sandals, walking shoes, and apparel.
I went to the shoes for women and found a pair that was both cute and comfortable.
I know that I can order from this site successfully.
I know my size and the way the shoe fits so it is never a problem.

Every time you order, there is always a coupon in the box for your next order.
I had two coupons on my desk.
I ordered the cute shoe in black and brown.
I knew that I was set for fall and for lost of walking.

The shoes arrived.
I tried one pair on right away.
They fit the way I am expected these shoes to fit.
I’m ready to walk around D.C., I said to myself.

It feels like fall here.
I had errands to run and decided to wear one of my new shoes.
After the first place I needed to stop, I felt like something was poking the side of my foot.
I continued to do the things I needed to do, but the poking was very uncomfortable.

I removed the shoe as I was standing in the back of a store.
The side of my foot was all red.
These are my go-to shoes.
These are the shoes I can literally put on in the morning and not think about until they come off.

Something was wrong.
I couldn’t wait to get home and take them off.
I took off the problem shoe and rubbed my finger along the side that was poking me.
There seemed to be something beginning to protrude right along the seam.

I went on the website and called the company.
They stand behind their products and have an amazing return policy.
The employee listened and was so incredibly gracious.
Just send them back; I will email you a return label in a few minutes, she promised.

I told her that I was returning both pairs of shoes.
One was worn, though only for a few hours.
The other had never been worn.
She sent a return label for each pair.

I thought of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, The Princess and the Pea.
It is the story of a princess whose identity is discovered because of her physical sensitivity.
Twenty mattresses and twenty feather beds are placed on top of a single pea.
When the girl who comes to the castle in a storm has a fitful night sleep, her identity is certain.

When I ran my hand along the seam of the shoe, a tiny piece of something was protruding.
It was barely there but protruding nonetheless.
I felt it for the few hours I wore those shoes.
The side of my foot was all red when I took them off.

I smiled as I thought about the fairy tale.
I smiled because I, too, am royalty.
I am a daughter of the King.
Those who are in Christ are sons and daughters of the King.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wondrous light.
(1 Peter 2:9)

A little protrusion on the side seam of my shoe caused pain.
A fairy tale I read to my children came to mind.
A princess was discovered because she could feel a small pea under all those mattresses.
A princess was reminded of her royal status because of Jesus.

I looked down at the red mark on my foot and smiled.
I am returning the shoes but I am grateful for that annoying protrusion.
I am grateful for the reminder of the fairy tale.
I am delighted that I am royalty because I belong to Him.

How’s your crown?
If you are in Christ, you are royalty as well.
That crown will one day be laid at His feet.
In the meantime, give it a little adjustment as you remember your royal status in His Kingdom.