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Have you ever noticed how little annoying
things make a big difference in our lives? Like perhaps a small stone in your
shoe? Some dust in your eye? A splinter in your finger? A blister on your toe? Or
toes, in my case.
The last two weeks I have struggled with blisters.
And blisters on top of blisters. Or maybe it’s under blisters. . . I’m not sure.
The point is I have multiple blisters that don’t heal before more develop. I’ve
tried moleskin, various brands of adhesive bandages, and BandAid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions. I’ve rubbed Dr. Scholl’s Miracle Shield on my toes
and sprinkled BlisterShield powder in
my socks to decrease the friction. I’ve purchased special wicking socks, bamboo
and wool socks, and those funny-looking toe socks. I’ve tightened and loosened
my shoe laces. I’ve returned to the running store twice about my shoes, and
tomorrow I’m heading to a different store for a second opinion.
Although I’ve managed to keep up with my marathon
training schedule despite the blisters, it has slowed me down and stolen my attention. I’m not
thinking about anything but the pain I feel with each step. And when my feet
hurt, I’m certainly not enjoying the run. I entertain doubts as to whether I’ll
be able to accomplish my 9-mile long run this week or even complete the marathon this fall.
The blisters have also got me thinking
about the other little annoying things in my life—little bad habits, little
things I neglect, and little compromises that cause friction in my
relationships. Little things that I tolerate, but that have a great impact in
distracting me from what’s most important. The Bible talks about the impact of
little things in Song of Solomon 2:15 (NKJV): “Catch for us the foxes, the
little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Evidently
these small foxes were capable of ruining the harvest and perhaps even
destroying the vines altogether, so the best tactic was to catch them before
serious damage was done.
In the same way that little foxes (and
blisters) can cause big problems if ignored, the little annoying things in our
lives can steer our lives away from our goals, distract us from following
Jesus, and even destroy our relationship with God. Recognize the little things
that can steer you off course and commit yourself to remove them immediately
before they destroy you.
Coaching Questions: Take a moment to
pause, ponder, and embrace what you have learned about blisters in your life.
1.
What little things are you tolerating (or ignoring) that are causing friction
in your life?
2. What impact have these little things already had on your goals?
Priorities? Relationship with God?
3. What
would be the cost to you if you didn’t change anything and kept living with
these irritants?
4. What little annoying thing can you get rid of this week?
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