[guide.chat] : Fw: Shoes in church
- From: "Keith Wines" <keith.wines@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "guide chat" <guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:12:25 -0000
: Fw: Shoes in church
-----Original Message-----
From: Rose
Sent On: 24/02/2011 09:28
Sent To: keith
: Fw: 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
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.
Live each day as your last, for we never know our time here on
earth. Love and Peace My Friends Shoes in Church
No virus found in this incoming message.
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- » [guide.chat] : Fw: Shoes in church - Keith Wines
