In the 1980s, the dream of strapping on shoes and walking on water was alive or so it seemed. An invention emerged that promised this modern day miracle, but it was less a pair of “shoes” and more a set of “personal styrofoam rafts that required professional-level core strength” to navigate. Forget your imagined size 8-10, high-tech sneakers; these things were a comedic masterpiece of engineering (or lack thereof).
Imagine if you can a modern stand-up paddleboard—the length, the width—then add two feet of thickness. Now double that (because you need a pair), make both of them entirely out of squeaky styrofoam, and slap a neoprene foot strap onto the top of each. You didn’t just wear them; you committed to them. The undersides featured several three-inch, perpendicular, louver-like slats. These were designed for “traction,” an extremely generous term for the resistance you felt as you attempted to “walk” on water in what amounted to two behemoth, yellow, banana boats strapped to your feet.
Mastering these buoyant behemoths was a high-stakes comedy of errors. Getting started required a stable dock or a shallow shoreline. The “skilled” user would gingerly slide one foot in, then the other, hoping for the best but typically resulting in the worst.
Falling in over your head was a guaranteed game over. Trying to reboard was like wrestling two greased dolphins; the slightest wobble and you were back in the drink and swimming to shore. Once upright (a miracle in itself), the actual act of moving was a pathetic, slow-motion trudge across the water.
The technique or trick of the trade was to keep your head down, eyes glued to the water’s surface, maintaining a laser-like focus on not falling over from the gentle breezes or the waves lapping under your feet. The moment you dared to glance up—perhaps to see if anyone was watching your graceful performance—you were toast. Many failed the task, their dignity only partially salvaged by the notches, nicks, dents and floating yellow styrofoam shavings leaving their successes and mostly failures marked in history.
With all “Water Shoes” antics and levity aside, the Bible talks about keeping your eyes on Christ and seeking Him first. We all know the story of Peter walking on water but the moment that he took his eyes off of Jesus he started to sink. This is an excellent parallel to how we can lose our focus by the challenges, distractions and numerous voices found in this world vs following and prioritizing one simple scripture in our lives, which will keep us safe, prepared and balanced for anything that is thrown our way.
Matthew 6:33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
