Shoes in Church

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 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

Making a difference in my life.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads us to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19

You will succeed in Jesus Name!