Summer Steps

As a young girl growing up on a farm, summertime meant barefoot time –liberating my feet from the snugly fitting shoes I’d worn all winter. Early in the season, I learned to avoid the “sticker-patch.” I vividly remember the deep purple stains on my feet from playing under the mulberry tree. Now that I’m grown with a home of my own, I feel compassion for my mother and the much scolding I received for running through the house leaving purple footprints. Sorry, Mom!

During my professional career as a massage therapist, I began to observe feet in new ways. I learned that the average human foot is made up of 26 bones, 75,000 nerve endings, 33 joints, 125,000 sweat glands, 20 muscles, 114 ligaments, and 12 tendons. Our feet are our physical foundation, giving us stability and security. If we lose our footing, we lose our sense of balance. Feet are our physical mode of transportation. During these summer months your feet may support your tromping through gardens, running on beaches, or climbing mountain trails.

Here are some quick and easy summer-sole-savers:

• A cooling, soothing pedicure to promote inner health as well as outward beauty. Hint: Add a few drops of lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essential oil to the water for a refreshing foot bath. A few drops of lavender oil added to your lotion or foot cream softens and heals cracked heels.
• Before beginning a summer hike, rub a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your feet to keep them cool. Massage the oil into your feet for improved circulation.
• Choose appropriate foot-wear for the occasion to prevent foot injury. Summer is sandal season, but sandals don’t fit every occasion; protect your foundation.

Summer is a bold and busy season with numerous activities that keep women on the run. I urge you to save a few minutes each day to find a shady place and sit for awhile; kick off your shoes and commune with God. Let His divine nature draw you in, calm your spirit, ease your mind, and restore your body. Let God’s Word come to life in your summer routine by:

• Extending a warm welcome and hospitality to summer guests (Genesis 18:4)
• Allowing summer’s rhythm to revive your relationship with your Creator (Exodus 3:5)

• Letting your beautiful feet carry you near and far in proclaiming the good news of Christ’s love, peace, and salvation (Isaiah 52:7)

J.M. Barrie, a Scottish journalist in the late 19^th century, said: “Make your feet your friends.” This wise counsel is relevant in all seasons, but particularly in the barefoot season of summer. I pray that your steps will be divinely ordered as you stroll (or sprint!) through summer, and that above all, “you may enjoy good health” (3 John 1:2, NIV).