The Shoeless Manikin

Several months ago we made a trip with our pastor and his wife to a store to look for hunting items. It was a distance from our homes and we enjoyed some good talk on the way. We stopped for barbecue, Keith's favorite, and then headed on to the store. This store is fine for me to visit once in a blue moon-- I am not into hunting. But there is a cooking section and it is fun just to look around and see what is there.
Now I have said before that I am not a girly girl. I don't particularly like to shop. And clothes shopping is not -never has been- on my list of fun things to do. But, when the choice is looking at clothes or looking at camo and deer stands.....please take me to the womens clothing section. So, after quietly following my husband while he checked out every hunting item in the place he said, "let's go check out the womens section".
Me, "Thank you Jesus".
There were really not that many things that I was interested in. But there were a pair of shoes that I liked. Problem was that they were on the manikin. And they were no more to be found. You guys-I love clogs-and these were beau-ti-ful! My husband loved them too.
They were just sexy looking.
We went through the whole thing of asking for other shoes. There were none. Keith suggested that maybe we could buy the shoes on the manikin. But as I looked at the shoes they looked small. I have boats for feet. There was no way they would fit my feet. As I was thinking this- my husband was bent down pulling the shoes off the manikin. Yes, my cheeks were red. Now on his knees he reached over and gently pulled off my clog and replaced it with the one from the manikin. It fit perfectly. I really don't know how.
Keith went through all the hoops to find out how he could purchase them. I loved them but I figured that it was not really worth it. Truth be told I felt like I was not worth it. I was embarrassed at the attention. But, Keith did not listen to any of my protest. He wanted those shoes for me--and he got them.
They were the last pair in the store and now they are mine. I feel great when I wear them. And last night while at group looking down at my shoes- I was again reminded why I love my man.
His heart.

Last night I thought about how Keiths actions had reflected the heart of God.
How God looked down at me and He knew I needed a covering. A robe to cover my sin.
A robe of righteousness.
And He knew what needed to be done to clothe me in His purity and holiness. He decided that He would be willing to pay whatever price had to be paid, to obtain that robe to give me. I am so glad they had my best interest in mind. Jesus was not worried about men embarrassing him on the path to his goal. He was not even concerned when people told Him that what He was trying to do-could not be done. He knew nothing could stop Him.
He was not going to let anything stop Him.
And then He did it. With the goal in sight--He paid the price for that robe for me.
The price. His life.
And then when the price was paid-God handed Him the robe that would be the perfect fit for me. And on His knees, looking lovingly up into my face--He held the robe out to me.
It was a free gift. All I had to do was recognize the price that was paid for it, take it, and wear it.
And I did.
I love my robe of purity and holiness. I am so thankful for the price He was willing to pay.
Such love is kind of embarrassing for me.
I love my robe. And unlike the shoes my husband bought for me---my robe will never be taken away.
Cool.
Thank you Jesus!
The gift that would be born----- so that a gift could be given.