Get up and walk

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. John 5:7-9

In my household, there are often shoes all over the place. My family prefers to go barefoot whenever possible, and weather permitting, we will go barefoot out of doors. Several of us have very wide feet, so shoes are a challenge - to find a good fit along with an attractive pair is near impossible. During the summer, we will take long walks and talk with one another and with friends as we walk barefoot along the beach and on the streets. I am always amazed when someone visiting takes time to put on the correct walking shoe or sneakers, as we slip in and out of flip flops and bare feet. Walking requires only the willingness to go out the door and explore.

Jesus meets a man who can't walk and who has been waiting years for healing. He has sat by the pool, knowing that if he could get in, he would be healed, but no one has helped him. He has been exposed to the possibility over and over but never got near enough to get better. Jesus tells him his wait is over and tells him to get up, take his bedding and walk. No one around thinks it is right that so simple a few words would heal the man. They wanted something correct, proper and dazzling. They wanted a big deal, a dram for the healing. What the got was raw love, the power of God changing that man's life for ever. He only wanted to so simple things like normal people. Get up and walk.

Today, I want to remember that healing comes in the simplest of things. God's love works as we take small steps to improve, get well, and move forward. As we forgive a little, believe a little, get up and walk a little, God is active in great abundance. I want to go barefoot on the path today, open and trusting, knowing the love of the love of God to be more than adequate for the day ahead. May we all take simple steps so the love of God can change our world.