What Walks in with You?

That call ended, and I went right into another meeting in my office, which, based on the topic, I anticipated a few tough moments. I was already hot from the news I was just given, so I dragged that frustration in with me and boom! I came out swinging like Mike Tyson in his prime, turning what could have been a calm discussion into something entirely different. Not my best moment.  

I let my guard down, removed a little armor, and evil took advantage of the moment.  

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." (Ephesians 6:15)

When you walk into a room, what walks in with you? 

Do you show up with fire or ice? Are people excited you are there, or wish they were somewhere else? Do they feel safe or insecure? How about at home? Are your kids and spouse running up to you like a puppy who couldn't wait for you to be home, or hiding under the table like a cat seeing if you can be trusted?  

Paul reminds us to put on the shoes of peace. That we should walk with the peace of Christ every step of our lives, so we will be prepared for whatever comes our way. And keep those shoes clean.  

Remember to shake your boots off. Whatever skubulon you stepped in before you got home or on your way to the meeting, shake it off before you enter, or you will stink up the whole place. Leave it outside and walk in with a peace that attracts safety and connection.  Sure, a lot of days are just hard and things don't always go our way, but tracking manure around just spreads toxins.  

I'm thankful for the people I met with, as they offered me grace, and we ended up in a good place. That said, if I make that a habit, I may lose the privilege of walking into the room altogether, or one day, it just may be empty. When you walk into a room, what walks in with you?