Have you
ever worn metal roller skates that you strapped onto your shoes? As a kid in
the early 1960’s, I spent many happy hours winging my way along the walk at the
side of our house. I didn’t visit an official rollerskating rink till I was in 10th
or 11th grade.
Our metal
skates were nothing fancy, just a bare-bones framework. A metal clamp gripped
the toes of our shoes, two metal plates formed the platform for the soles, and
a metal “heel”, with a leather strap laced through it, buckled the back to your
ankle.
Whole
families of kids with different shoe sizes could take turns using the same pair
of skates—they were completely adjustable! The toe clamps expanded and
contracted, the sole platform shortened or lengthened, and the heel strap could
be loosened or tightened.
However, accomplishing
all these wonderful adjustments required a “skate key”. A hexagonal loop at the
top of the metal key was used to turn the nut that adjusted the length of the
skate. The other end fit on the pin that tightened the toe grips.
After
rolling over cement sidewalks, with the rhythmic ka-thunk, ka-thunk, ka-thunk
of the wheels hitting the cracks, the fittings would loosen with the repetitive
jarring. If not taken care of, the parts of the skates would slip and slid or
even fall off. I had my fair share of twisted ankles, skinned knees and scraped
palms. Having my skate key handy for periodic adjustments assured a long and
safe time skating.
As we go
through life, there are times when we are like a skate that needs adjusting.
Difficult circumstances, challenging situations, and our own poor choices tend
to rattle us to the point that we wonder if we can keep going. Every day jars
and shakes us till we feel like we are teetering precariously on ill-fitting
skates.
The good
news is there is a Key that can help us. Jesus has promised to be with us
through every moment. (Matthew 28:20) He is the key to wisdom, strength,
endurance, direction and forgiveness—and He makes it all available to us when
we chose to walk (or skate) with Him through life’s ups and downs.
Adjusting a loose
skate requires one to stop and apply the key. Likewise, recognizing and implementing
needed changes in our lives can only happen when we cease struggling and take
the time to connect with Jesus, allowing Him to guide, chasten, encourage, and
comfort us.
I have found
that in just ten to fifteen minutes of quiet time before I launch into my day,
Jesus can alter my perspective, tighten my resolve, and adjust my priorities. Then
I can skate through life, knowing He is with me always.
Be
encouraged!
Pam
