Shoes in Church

    

 

    Shoes in church WELL worth the read!!

    Please read all the way through.... Please have a wonderful day!

 

    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

   

    > You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.

   

    > I respect you, and truly cherish you.

   

    > Send this to your friends,

   

    > No matter how often you talk,

  

    > Or how close you are,

   

    > And send it to the person who sent it to 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 this e-mail and take comfort in knowing that

   

    > Someone out there cares about you..... And always will.