Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Give Me… Mismatched Socks!

I love mismatched socks! It sort of started when I was frantically searching for a pair of socks to wear one day and couldn’t find the mate to one of my favorite pair. But then, when I decided to abandon that one and pick another pair, that mate was also missing! So wanna take a guess at what I did? Yep…I put the two lonely socks together and wore them!

That one event led to grabbing a sock here and a sock there, whether they matched or not, and wearing them. And what started out as a joke on my “About Me” post about my love of wearing mismatched socks, has turned into an every day ritual, so-to-speak.

But then I began to think about the poor little mismatched pair of socks. While most people would find a sock with no matching mate useless… I find that it still has worth and can be used… just like people.

We are all like a pair of mismatched socks. We go through life not matching up with anything or anybody, thinking we don’t fit in anywhere. “Opposites attract” is not only an old saying, but actually applies to us! But here’s the best part of all; no matter what you’ve been through, like the mismatched socks, YOU are still useful! Sure, the socks get used. They’re socks. They still have a purpose. So do YOU! In your unique, wonderful, mismatched way, God can take you, and turn you into someone quite useful! He already has a plan for your life…and it’s a plan that’s absolutely awesome!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

A mismatched pair of socks keeps my feet warm (and they can get quite cold, let me tell you!). So, maybe by smiling at someone, saying hello, or helping someone out, you’ll spread a little warmth into someone else’s life. Or maybe just sharing your story with someone will give them hope that they, too have a purpose in life!

I wear the mismatched socks now, not only to make people smile, but to remind myself that like these socks, God can still use me.

Mismatched socks…. kinda like people, don’t you think?

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.

Janet says:

October 30, 2012 at 7:13 pm

This is great, Shelley! It's almost enough to inspire me to mismatch my socks, too. Your sock pictures are cute!

Shelley Wilburn says:

October 30, 2012 at 7:21 pm

Almost, Janet? Aw, go for it! You won't regret it, I promise! LoL! Thanks for the comment. ;-]

Niki Turner says:

October 30, 2012 at 10:30 pm

Oh my, this made me chuckle! I envy your freedom to wear mismatched socks, my dear! I'm still struggling with mixing gold and silver jewelry…

Ginger says:

October 30, 2012 at 11:18 pm

SMILE!

October 30, 2012 at 11:22 pm

Niki, everyone has their own uniqueness. That's what makes us interesting, I think. And I hate to break it to you but, my jewelry is as mismatched as my socks!

Valerie Comer says:

October 31, 2012 at 4:22 am

I'll leave you to your mismatched socks. I'm one of those who buys a dozen pairs, all the same, at a time, so no poor sock will ever be left out.

October 31, 2012 at 12:21 pm

Oh, Valerie… I had a friend who would actually NUMBER his white socks, then match the numbers so that he made sure his socks "matched!" If he couldn't find the matching number, it would drive him crazy! Don'tcha know THAT made me giggle! (I felt sorry for his wife, though. LoL) ;-]