Just a reminder of what
really is
important in life!!!
Shoes in
Church
I showered and
shaved................ I adjusted my tie.
I got there and
sat................ In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in
prayer............ As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man
next to me....... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on
either side......... I thought, 'Why must our soles
touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe
touching mine.. But it didn't bother him
much.
A prayer began: 'Our
Father'............. I thought, 'This
man with the shoes, has no
pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are
holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,'
the prayer went on.
The shoe man
said................. A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the
prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes
again..
Aren't we supposed to look
our best. When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly
isn't it,' I thought, glancing toward the
floor.
Then the prayer was
ended............ And the songs of praise
began.
The shoe man was certainly
loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the
rafters........ His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely
hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the
offering........ And what I threw in was
steep.
I watched as the shoe man
reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled
out.......... What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft
'clink' as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored
me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the
shoe man.... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the
service........ As is the custom here.
We must greet new
visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved
somehow........... And wanted to meet the shoe
man.
So after the closing
prayer........ I reached over and shook his
hand.
He was old and his skin
was dark..... And his hair was truly a
mess......
But I thanked him for
coming.......... For being our guest...
He said, 'My name’s
Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my
friend.'
There were tears in his
eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin..
'Let me explain,' he
said.............. Wiping tears from his
eyes.
'I've been coming here for
months...... And you're the first to say
'Hi.''
'I know that my
appearance...........Is not like all the
rest.
'But I really do
try....................To always look my
best.'
'I always clean and polish
my shoes...Before my very long walk.'
'But by the time I get
here........They're dirty and dusty, like
chalk.'
My heart filled with
pain............ And I swallowed to hide my
tears.
As he continued to
apologize........... For daring to sit so
near
He said, 'When I get
here............ I know I must look a sight.'
'But I thought if I could
touch you....Then maybe our souls might unite.'
I was silent for a
moment.............. Knowing whatever was
said
Would pale in
comparison.... I spoke from my heart, not my
head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I
said.......'And taught me, in part'
'That the best of any
man..............Is what is found in his
heart.'
The rest, I
thought,................ This shoe man will never
know.
Like just how thankful I
really am.... That his dirty old shoe touched my
soul
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly
cherish you.
Remember, everyone
needs a friend.
Someday you might feel
like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this e-mail and
take comfort in knowing
that someone out there cares about
you.
Live each day as your last,
for we
never know our time here on earth.
Love and Peace My Friends
and
remember
that it is not how we look on the outside
but how we
look within.