Booty Boy

---

"Put on the whole armor of God...that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

Ephesians 6:11, 13-15, ESV

It's been a particularly cold winter for Virginia. Forever a New Hampshire girl at heart, I love snow and chilly mornings, but even I'll admit 7 degrees before factoring in the wind chill is a little nippy. When it gets that cold and the roads are white with salt, Squirrel has to wear his booties. They say road salt is terrible for dog paws, and I can't imagine icy pavement is great either.

Thus, booties. Usually Squirrel wears black ones that at least blend with his coat, but there was clearly a run on doggy duds after the big storm here, and all that were left were bright purple booties. My stylin' boy is quite the stud on our morning runs, what with his lavender booties, blue harness, and green LED collar.

Squirrel hates the booties. He doesn't fight me when I put them on, but when he sees them come out of the drawer in the morning, he tucks his tail to his belly and lowers his head.

It's either that or painful, cracked paw pads, my love. The booties may not always be fun to put on, but they are worth it in the long haul in order to remain healthy. Fortunately, once we are outside, Squirrel promptly forgets them and frolics with his usual glee.

This made me think about the verse in Ephesians calling us to put on the full armor of God - for those unfamiliar with the passage, it's a metaphor for being spiritually prepared. Our armor isn't metal and our weapons aren't fatal. In fact, our armor preserves joy, and our weapons are meant to bring life. We are called to pull on our "booties," so to speak, each morning before we head out the front door.

Earlier than that really: before our feet even hit the bedroom floor. We, as believers, are to wield truth, righteousness, readiness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.

They are not always fun accessories to wear. Truth is often hard to hear and harder to speak. Living righteously (fancy word for being "in right relationship") can make us feel like outsiders in a world that sees nothing wrong with slander, gossip, quick tempers, and selfish living. And faith? Geesh, pick up a newspaper, and try to keep hold of the belief that God is in control.

(He is, but I'm not sure the New York Times has figured that out.)

Nonetheless, I won't face the day without putting on God's provisions. Been there, done that, don't recommend. Squirrel's booties have saved his feet much pain and damage. The armor of God does the same.