Old Shoes In Church
Author Unknown
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 and 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
You are special to me
and you have made
a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Let old friends know
you haven't forgotten
them,
and tell new friends you never
will.
Remember, everyone needs a friend.
Someday you might feel
like
you have no friends at all.
Just remember
And take comfort in knowing
that someone out
there
cares about you.
And always will.
Contributed By
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