I've been absent from blogging for a few day, I've been catching up from the whirlwind cheer leading season that ended Saturday, and will be back very soon, in the meanwhile, I received this poem in an email this morning and wanted to share :)
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. not 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
names' 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.
Remember, everyone needs a friend. Someday
you might feel like you have no friends at all. Just remember this poem
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.
The Love of
Christ, and Peace to you, My Friends
